Official Review: secrets of the island by linda hughes

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "secrets of the island" by linda hughes.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Secrets of the Island is a historical fiction book by Linda Hughes. Within it, her characters go on an “ancestry quest” to uncover shocking family secrets. Through her book, Hughes gets the message across that although families can be baffling, and far from what we consider “normal”, they give us all a starting point in life.

The O’Neill family escapes the loss of their oldest children by a close shave. Harriet and Harry’s return home from Tunisia brings relief to their mother. Yet, their return is not a joyous one. They return shell-shocked, with no hope of recovery. Harriet questions whether she will ever have the capacity to enjoy life again. Harry, struggling with his emotions, turns to alcohol. It seems all the privilege and money that the O’Neill’s possess could not protect them from harm. The twins decide to go live with their grandfather on Mackinac Island. Perhaps there, away from the rest of world, they can find themselves. Little do they realize what secrets await to be uncovered.

This book truly deserves to be categorized as a historical fiction book. The author gives us a full background of Mackinac Island, going all the way back in history to its formation. She explains how the different ethnic groups that settled on the island overtime have influenced its culture. She effectively transports readers of Secrets of the Island to Mackinac Island. She gives us a beautiful picture of the Island and its breath-taking scenery. However, this history is given merely as a backdrop to the actual story, and so, it is not tiresome to read.

Initially, I found the build-up of the story to be slow, despite the fact that the book opens with a lot of action. The first secret that the O’Neill’s keep from the twins, Harriet and Harry, did not seem like such a big deal to me. However, when they finally divulge this "deep, dark" secret to the twins, the impact it has on Harriet is profound. She questions her own character, and this added to her overall character development. So looking back, although I still do not think that it was an earth-shattering secret, I can see why it is a necessary part of the plot. What I found to be truly interesting is the ancestral family secrets that they later discover in bits and pieces.

This heart-warming book gives hope for the future and celebrates the strength of the human spirit and its ability to revive itself. It was a beautiful book to read. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I could find no fault with it as it has very few errors. Lovers of historical fiction books will enjoy this book. If you are into fast-paced, action-filled books, then this may not be the book for you. It is easy to read, with short chapters.

******
secrets of the island
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Kelebogile Mbangi's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Prisallen]

It sounds as though the characters are well developed, and the story has a good plot although slow at times. This kind of book is a good way to learn history in an entertaining way. Thanks for the review!

[kandscreeley]

Not only is this historical fiction, it sounds like a bit of a family drama. It would probably be interesting if you are into those genres, but I don't think it's for me. I'm glad you enjoyed it, but I'll pass. Thanks, though.

[Alice Heritage]

Secrets on many levels! I love stories that highlight the strength of the human spirit. Thanks for an interesting review.

[kdstrack]

Your comments on the excellent historical information included in the book sold me on this one. The mystery and family history will be a bonus! I enjoyed for your interesting review.

[Crazyreader01]

This sounds like a lovely summer evening read. Thanks for the great review!

[gen_g]

This sounds both informative and fascinating! I'll keep an eye out for this. Thanks for the review!

[raboateng94]

I like the sound of this. It is the kind of book i love to read. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

This sounds so interesting! I love learning about our past and how it makes us who we are today.
The fact that it is fictional made me want to read it even more. Usually these types of books are non-fiction.
Well-written review!