Island Apart [Paperback]

Lillian Beckwith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 28, 2008

Island-born Kirsty MacLennan marries Ruari MacDonald in order to escape city life and a menial job in a guesthouse and return to her beloved homeland. As she rediscovers her roots and adapts to married life on the idyllic Westisle, there is only one thing standing in the way of her future happiness - the brooding presence of her brother-in-law who shares her and her husband's home.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Related in vivid, vigorous prose, Beckwith's new novel (after The Small Party ) again transports readers to the wild, beautiful Hebrides Islands. Originally an island girl, 38-year-old Kirsty MacLennan has been a cook in an urban boarding house since she was 14. Tired of her nasty employers and city life, longing for her own home and freedom, she happily accepts Ruari Beag MacDonald's marriage proposal after just a few days acquaintance; it seems a practical bargain. Despite the disapproval of Ruari's grim brother, who co-owns the island of Westisle, Kristy is soon enjoying her new life with a kind, if not terribly romantic husband. She makes friends with warm, jolly mainlander Mairi Jane and finds herself drawn to 14-year-old Jamie Eilidh, apparently forsaken by both his parents. She wins the respect of her brother-in-law and shares some happy moments with Ruari and Jamie before a dark secret from the past--and a bittersweet one in the present--deeply affect her life. Love plays a part in this touching novel, but its true-to-life conclusion marks it as reading for realists, not romantics.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Island-born Kirsty MacLennon was content working for Mrs. Ross at her hotel in an unnamed British city, but when the proprietor's unpleasant niece Isabel takes over, Kirsty knows she must make a change. Ruari MacDonald arrives at the hotel looking for a proper wife to join him in his home on isolated Westisle in the Hebrides, and Kirsty agrees to marriage and a new life. But when they arrive on the island, she is dismayed to see that her husband's brother, who seems to resent her from the start, will be living with the couple. This novel contains the elements for a good love story in a wild, romantic setting, but it fails to deliver. Neither Kirsty nor Ruari strike sparks, and the implied conflict with her brother-in-law is quickly dismissed. Not recommended.
- Mary Ann Parker, California Dept. of Water Re sources Law Lib., Sacramento
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: House of Stratus (November 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0755102843
• ISBN-13: 978-0755102846
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,400,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Lillian Beckwith is a marvelous author, January 11, 2012

By 

J. Malcolm "Judy Malcolm" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Island Apart (Paperback)

The Lillian Beckwith series are wonderful, filled with warmth and humor. Here is a quote from her first book, The Hills is Lonely.

When Lillian Beckwith, a middle-aged teacher in a smoky north of England town, was ordered by her doctor to take a complete rest somewhere in the country, she advertised in a suitable magazine. Among many tempting offers came this letter from a Hebridean crofter:

Dear Madam,
Its just now I saw your advert when I got the book for the knitting pattern I wanted from my cousin Catriona. I am sorry I did not write sooner if you are fixed up if you are not in any way fixed up I have a good good stone house and tiles and my brother Ruari who will wash down with lime twice every year. Ruari is married and lives just by. She is not damp. I live by myself and you could have the room that is not a kitchen and a bedroom reasonable. I was in the kitchen of the lairds house till lately when he was changed God rest his soul the poor old gentleman. that he was. You would be very welcomed. I have a cow also for milk and eggs and the minister at the manse will be referee if you wish such.
Yours affectionately,
MORAG McDUGAN
P.S. She is not thatched.