On Island Time [Paperback]

Hilary Stewart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1999

In this text, the author takes the reader on a guided tour as she buys land and builds her own dream home on a remote island. As she settles in, she surveys every inch of the natural world within a 30-foot radius of her home, from the families of bats and deer to the varying wildlife patterns.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Northwest writer and illustrator Stewart takes readers on a guided tour as she buys land and builds her dream home on a remote island off the Washington coast. The writing is often merely serviceable, and much in the vein of a private diary, but it's redeemed by her knowledge of the area and about the world around her. There are many details about the numerous locals who become friends and help along the way: the builder; the architect; the dowser who tells her where to dig the well ("Ted says he has had the ability to dowse for around fifty years, but it was only nine years ago that he 'put out a shingle' "); the identifier of moss; the friend who brings feathers to toss in the air that are caught by swallows building their own nests. As she settles in, Stewart surveys every inch of the natural world within a 30-foot radius of her home, from the families of bats and deer to the varying patterns of wildlife from season to season. She also serves as an informal guide to the island as she learns the ways and patterns of local life, punctuated by the ferry schedule. An intensely personal story, Stewart's experience will ring true to those intimately familiar with this part of the world and gives a window in for all who are not.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

Islands hold a fascination for many people. In this enchanting book, Stewart, an award-winning, critically acclaimed writer on Native cultures of the Pacific Northwest, offers readers a vicarious enjoyment of the tiny island off the coast of British Columbia where she chose to retire. We share her joy at building the perfect island home and her introduction to the plants and animals that can be both a delight?the swallows that caught feathers she tossed into the air to add to their nest?and a nuisance?the raccoon who raided the bird feeder. In chapters organized by seasons, Stewart intermingles amusing snippets of small-community life with numerous details about the natural history of Quadra Island The author, who is also an illustrator, includes a number of drawings of the plant and animal life that she discusses as well as scenes from the island. Delightful reading; recommended for public libraries.?Maureen Delaney-Lehman, Lake Superior State Univ. Lib., Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: University of Washington Press; 1 Pbk ed edition (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0295978309
• ISBN-13: 978-0295978307
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,619,997 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:

5.0 out of 5 stars The smells of the sea air + the sounds of distant bell buoys, July 9, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: On Island Time (Paperback)

As I read this lovely book, I felt transplanted back to an island I grew up on. Ms Stewart writes with a beautiful grasp of how words can evoke sensory response. I felt I could feel the light mist of the sea on my arms and hear a gull above me. The delicately detailed ink drawings complemented almost every page. I'm so glad the author wrote this.
Ripp Campbell
Washington