Island Madness [Paperback]

Tim Binding (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 7, 1999

It is 1943, the German army has been defeated at Stalingrad, and the tide is beginning to turn. But on occupied Guernsey, the reality of war seems a lifetime away. Recreating life on the occupied island, this novel asks questions about collaboration and the nature of war.

Editorial Reviews

From AudioFile

Binding gives a realistic atmosphere to this story about WWII on the remote Channel Islands (the only place in Britain inhabited by the Germans). Narrator Sean Barrett perfectly recreates the wartime sound of movies and newsreels. The story is long, detailed and graphically unpleasant, qualities best captured by Barrett's unemotional presentation. The murder of a popular local woman throws together a wide array of suspects who differ economically, culturally, and ethnically. All are rendered realistically. Barrett also keeps the listener interested in some dry and detailed text by delivering a compelling presentation. An excellent choice for military buffs or for those who enjoy observing the behavior of people under adverse or stressful conditions. S.B.G. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pan Books Ltd (May 7, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330350463
• ISBN-13: 978-0330350464
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,521,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening & Provocative, July 14, 2003

By 

spideranansie (Singapore - Manchester) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Island Madness (Isis) (Audio CD)

Tim Binding's book sets as its scene the German occupation of Guernsey during the Second World War. The people, who differ from the mainland English due to their former French identity, are made to live with their occupants in 'harmony'. This is something that some characters find easy to do while others struggle at it. Some, however, do it for convenience and to raise their social standing. The novel questions the moral decisions these characters make in a world which is distorted and unreal, making the entire question of morality warped as the island is camptured in a time when nothing feels real. What the would have decided at peacetime is not something they will opt for in times of trouble. Binding's novel is illuminating in exploring the human condition, and the prioritisation of values which bring out the true nature of a human being in crisis. A good read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fair Warning, April 17, 2005

By 

C. K. Place - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Island Madness (Paperback)

This seems to be an alternative title for "Lying with the Enemy." Same picture on cover, etc. Do wish they'd warn us so we don't wind up with 2 copies of the same book--just different titles.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top notch in it's field., August 3, 2010

By 

M. Fox (Kansas-Midway USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Island Madness (Hardcover)

Very interesting,well-written book about the WW2 occupation by the Nazis of the Channel Islands for the duration of the war. Very human story-well presented-an excellent read that holds one's interest to the very end.