Carys Davies

Based during the Scottish Clearances in the 1840s when the rural poor were evicted, this is the riveting story of John Ferguson, a poor Scottish minister, his wife, Mary and an unforgettable character named Ivar. John is paid to evict Ivar from his home with no knowledge of each other's languages. John's fall down a cliff renders him unconscious when he is found by Ivar, the island's sole occupant and the subject of John's eviction. As Ivar slowly nurses John back to health, they develop a bond and friendship that is transforming for both. This short novel is exquisitely written and a true testament to the human spirit.… (mehr)

The book had very short chapters. Many of the pages after a chapter were blank, but counted in this 185 page novel. I am glad I borrowed it from my library. I would have felt ripped off if I bought the short story as I thought it was a book.

Two male characters were the only people on an island. I kept thinking "Stockholm syndrome" as they got closer and closer. The predictable conclusion between the two disappointed me.

The endwhere Mary proposed Mary and John become Mary and John and Ivarwas something I think all will regret in less than a week.

100 members; 4.24 average rating; 4/29/2024… (mehr)