The Islanders [Hardcover]

John Rowe Townsend (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1981

The isolated Islanders, resistant of all newcomers, have always governed by the Teaching in the Book which has been orally passed down for generations. One day they find out, from one who reads, the real and astonishing story in the book.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Rowe Townsend has written novels for young readers that have received wide acclaim. Six of them were on the ALA Notable Book list of their years. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1st edition (September 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0397319401
• ISBN-13: 978-0397319404
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,645,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Splendid, unsentimental, spare and clear-eyed novel, February 5, 2009

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B. Walsh (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Islanders (Paperback)

"The Islanders" is a book aimed squarely at what the publishing world calls "young adults" and the rest of us call "precocious kids", but it's beautifully and starkly written, and tautly structured. I reread it with just as much enthusiasm when twice the age at which I read it first. Townsend's characters are fully realized without being overly described, and he is excellent at *showing* us how life on this isolated, Pitcairnesque island unfolds rather than lecturing us about it. It is a tightly- and carefully-written novel that should appeal to adults and be devoured in voracious great gulps by more thoughtful younger readers -- girls will find a tough and capable young heroine who has no story-book prettiness or guile, but influences events with her courage, tenacity, and resourcefulness; boys will find almost-reluctant heroes who do not necessarily excel in their community's traditional masculine roles but have other strengths in abundance.