Customer Reviews

Island of The World

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Michael D. O'Brien is truly a gifted writer. During the last several weeks that I spent reading this phenomonal book I felt like I was in the skin of the main character, Josip Lasta. I have rarely, if ever, been so emotionally involved in reading and had to keep telling myself, "it's only a book". I shed so many tears I had to put the book away for a time and told myself to "forgadbout it" (an expression of one of his many characters in the book).

Mr. O'Brien's descriptions of the agony and the rising of Josip Lasta are unparalleld in any book I've ever read and shows profound insight into the inner workings of his character's mind, body and spirit. This book deserves to be #1 on every bestseller list. I intend to gift several friends with a copy and to tell all the readers I know to read it.

Michael D. O'Brien challenged, moved and amazed me with this lyrical and harrowing novel. I wept many times, remembering the "fields of heaven" where he grew up, and the horror he grew into through the terror of war and despotism. The spiritual passages and poetry lifted me above this world toward the infinite. You will never forget the characters and places, the injustice, the love, the faith, and the sheer majesty of this story played out against the history of the Croatian people. Every time I think Mr. O'Brien cannot possible top himself in print, he does;- his talent that he shares so liberally with others elevates and deepens one's view of life, and stretches your mind and spirit to the shattering point. An experience not to be missed or taken on lightly.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this large novel, but I didn't expect something that made me look at my own life a little closer.

O'Brien does a perfect job drawing the reader into the life of his characters. I found myself identifying with Josip Lasta even though we have very little in common. Throughout the entire novel, I couldn't wait to find out what happens to Josip next. I had to keep reading to find out if he finally achieves and keeps happiness.

The tales of life under a series of totalitarian regimes made me feel grateful for my freedoms, and reminded me to be more active in preserving them. Josip's grappling with faith was inspiring, and caused me to ponder my own spirituality at length. I tried--as best I could from a novel--to learn from how Josip interacted with the people in his life. All of it put together left me thinking, and wishing I could go right back into the book and recapture the joy of first discovery.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy thought provoking, deep stories where the true meaning may take a bit of consideration to unearth.

The remote, edenic Coatian village of Rajska Polja, translated, "the field of heaven," is the initial setting of a magnificent story, beginning in 1933, of one human's suffering through a violently cruel century, concluding in today's world. Beautifully written, the epic (839 pages) is the latest of six earlier books by an author who cares for his characters, experiencing their trials. It is, in a way, a modern morality play brimful of allegorical drama and poetic words, a book the reader will long remember.

Excellent! Should become a classic. I have read all of his other novels and they are also excellent. He is the greatest novelist and storyteller of our times and Josip Lasta (the main character)is an example of moral courage and character in overcoming life's trials. Should be assigned reading for all high school students.

The Island of the World is so much more than a wonderful
read. It is life-changing. The story of the earthly journey
of the soul of Croatian Josip Lasta is so beautiful that
there were times I wept.

There is nothing more I can add to indicate the profound
power of this book. Read it.

Island of the World is a spiritual Odyssey unlike any I've ever read before. It follows the life of Josip Lasta--from a happy child in the Croatian village called "fields of heaven" through the crushing juggernaut of Nazi and Communist regimes. The size of the book at over 800 pages was at first intimidating; but once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. Just as a beautiful symphony expands the boundaries and hinterlands of sound, Michael O'Brien carefully crafts the story of a soul, a man, and a people. You think what Josip thinks and feel what he feels as you experience with him his own private crucifixion. Island of the World is a masterpiece of spiritual and human exploration. "MUST" reading.

I don't know that I have ever read a novel where I felt I was "standing on holy ground." With this one I did. Even though I would tell myself - "it is just a novel" inside I knew it was not, that Josip Lasta, though a fictional character, is real, that I must have met him and not even known it, and I would hope that I will be able to recognize him now that I have read his story.

Because underneath this story of Josip Lasta is the story of all the holy unknown quiet lives that are lived out courageously, stubbornly, lovingly, humbly. Living out the Gospel, lives woven together in the communion of the saints. Heaven and earth intermingling. Everything matters. All is a tapestry. Weak and strong taking turns being weak and strong. It is such lives that are celebrated in the Catholic and Orthodox churches on All Saints Days.

Read this book -you will reverence your own life and the lives around you more. You'll be more likely to see a bit of a holy glow about situations and people. You will feel the boundary between heaven and earth slip away. You will be more determined to run a good course yourself and to be a loving presence to those in this "island of the world" with whom your life is meant to intermingle.

I only recently discovered this incredible author after he was interviewed on EWTN. Since then, I've purchased most of his books. This is the 5th book I've read by Michael D. O'Brien and the caliber of his writing continues to exceed any other fiction author I've ever read. This 800-plus page book surrounds the reader in a different time and place, beginning around the 1930's, vividly portraying the time, place and life of a Croatian child into adulthood. The levels of suffering, torture and death suffered by Josip, his family and many of the Croatian/Yugoslavian peoples is impossible to comprehend when one has never lived under a Communist/Iron Curtain regime. Through Mr. O'Brien's writing, one is immersed in every moment and thought of Josip's life and life-threatening challenges, witnessing firsthand Josip's courage, inner strength and spirit. I have recommended O'Brien's books to others and without hesitation I highly recommend the "Island of the World" as a superior novel and effort which cannot disappoint. For those who are dedicated readers of all of Mr. O'Brien's books, I believe this is one of his best, saying this tongue-in-cheek as it seems impossible to rate perfection by contrasting degrees.

The book was amazing, it was the best novel I have ever read! It is truly a must read!