Customer Reviews

These Granite Islands: A Novel

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

These Granite Islands is an eloquent and revealing portrait of a woman who has lived and rejoiced and suffered, and, perhaps most importantly, has learned ninety-nine years worth of life's lessons. As Isobel lay dying at the end of the century she has lived, she muses over one long-ago summer that changed her outlook and awakened her compassion and intelligance held in check. A poem buried in Isobel's subconcious (TS Eliot's "Marina")is slowly revealed to the reader, and to Isobel herself. The inclusion of this elegant poem parallels events in Isobel's life, defines them, and pays homage to the poet, reminding us that writers are by nature readers, living amongst a great wealth of words. The novel is a character study wrapped in a mystery and a heart-wrenching series of personal tragedies. This first novel by a talented new writer will surely succeed, assuring Ms. Stonich's place in contemporary fiction. This author's careful and precise use of language reminds me of earlier writers of similar tales; Virginia Wolff, Katherine Mansfield, and Edna Ferber (to whom the author respectfully nods, mentioning a similar story of fate versus free will). While this book will doubtless become a film, I say grab it read it well before that eventuality, for the emotional depth of this story cannot be portrayed on a screen in a few brief hours. If a few minor bits of the plot of These Granite Islands seem laid on rather thickly, the character development and very real dialoge redeem Stonich's lovely, memorable story. This is one to recommend.

Not quite a century old, Isobel Howard lies dying in a hospital room. Unable to mentally remain or perhaps refusing to stay in the present, Isobel reflects back to the pivotal point in her life, the summer of '36. She relates the drama of that year to her only surviving son who patiently awaits his mother's death.

That summer in Cypress, Minnesota, with her two sons away with their father on his island folly, Isobel and her daughter meets Chicago heiress Cathryn Malley. Cathryn's husband is also away on engineering business. On the bright side, Cathryn provides meaning and identity to Isobel's life beyond that of mother and wife by introducing her to the fine arts. On the other hand, Cathryn begins an affair with Jack Reese in which Isobel plays a reluctant, guilt-ridden middleman. Isobel hides what she knows from Cathryn's spouse who suspects his wife is cheating. Then one day, the lovers vanish as Jack's cabin burns to the ground haunting Isobel till her dying day.

THE GRANITE ISLANDS is a fabulous romantic relationship drama that seems like a well-written throw back to a time when romanticism meant something different. The story line starts a bit choppy, but once the flashbacks to 1936 get into gear, the plot is smooth sailing and worth the time. Fans of powerful emotional women's mainstream fiction with a historical bent will fully enjoy a strong character-based romantic tale that will make debut author Sarah Stonich a household name rather quickly.

Harrriet Klausner

This story, set in Minnesota, tells the tale of an elderly woman at the end of her life. She drifts in and out of conversations with her son and her memories of a special, unforgettable summer. This author is a great storyteller and I didn't want this one to end. The characters, relationships and conflicts are mesmerizing and I felt I really wanted to know this old woman and talk to her. It is truly one of the best things I have read in a long time. I expect we will be hearing a lot about this book and whatever she writes next.

"These Granite Islands" was a lovely departure from the ordinary. Sarah Stonich paints for us exquisite images with magical words. The story of Isobel and Catherine was mesmerizing. I often found myself stopping and thinking about what I had just read and how touching it was simply by the way it was written. Treat yourself with a piece of beautiful artistry. You'll be glad you did.

Stonich's novel is a touching story of the way people invest in each other, the things we are willing to put into a relationship and what we get out of it. The story is told in non-linear fashion, drifting from past moment to past moment, framed by the present at Isobel's death bed, while maintaining the central story of Isobel and Katherine's friendship. The attitudes and conflicts of the period are present in the characters actions and dialogue, whithout ever being forced or heavy handed--in that way, Stonich put us in the period with authentic characters. Stonich's prose flows easily and quite often I found myself pausing to appreciate a particularly nice turn of phrase, beautiful metaphor, or stunning image. This is a book I will easily and readily recommend.

Don't think I am biased just because I am from Minnesota & so is the author AND the story is set there. IT TRULY IS GOOD! I am not understanding why there are so many poor reviews for this book listed here. Yes, you have to be A LITTLE on your toes while reading, as the plot DOES shift from past to present regularly, but it is soooooo interesting and offers so many insighful reflections into the human condition! I felt as if I were living the plot myself, or experiencing it visually, if nothing else. I loved the characters and I could not wait to see what they would do next! The ending somewhat disappointed me, as I expected soemthing else, but I forgave the author (*smile*) because she had to do what she had to do with her craft of writing. And I was fine with that. It is just the whole experience of the book: it is like a movie you don't want to walk out on even to get a snack or go potty! I read the whole thing in 2 days, which is AMAZING for me, since I live the world's busiest life & usually don't make time for books.

Try this out! It is worth it!!

I read this book in one sitting. The author's stunning use of the language grabbed me and simply would not let me go until I learned what really happened to Isobel Howard and her mysterious friend Cathryn in the summer of 1936.

It's been a long time since a new author has enjoyed such a command of the written word....she's a great storyteller and I look forward to reading her next work.

If you like a well told story, with flawed, but interesting characters, this is a book for you. Following Isobel's life through to its ultimate conclusion is a great ride.

Enjoy!

I picked up this book on impulse, because I like the title and cover shot, and never could put it down after that. This a true gift of a book to anyone who has experienced the decline in health and hospital stay of someone close, particulary an aged parent. It puts their life in perspective and teaches a beautiful lesson. The style Sarah Stonich employees (going back and forth between memories and present moment) held my attention fully. It's a beautiful story about different types of love and how different moments in life are interpreted from a perspective unique to the age of the viewer, and how that perspective changes. It's a very spiritual book. Great summer reading!

Sarah Stonich has captured the world of her characters so powerfully that they live on in one's imagination long after the last page is read. I look forward to reading more from her!

This book is written in my favorite writing style ~~ it jumps from the present to the past and back to the present with a fluid style ~~ which makes it easy for the reader to know where she is at in the book. Stonich is a very talented writer who writes with passion and feelings as well as very powerful descriptive style. You, the reader, is right there with Isobel as she remembers her past as she lies there on her deathbed. You can see her memories as vividly as if you are right there with her ~~ Stonich has a imaginative writing style that not very writers can capture.

While on her deathbed, Isobel talks to her youngest and surviving child about the summer of 1936 when a young couple has disappeared and caused a scandal in the small town where they resided. What Thomas, her youngest son, didn't know is that Isobel knew the couple in question. She was often their look-out for them as they hide from the woman's husband during the afternoons of a hot summer. Isobel became very close to Kathryn even though she questioned Kathyrn's infidelity with Jack, a man who wanted to enter priesthood at one time.

This novel explores the relationships between husband and wife, between friends, lovers, children and parents. It tackles the question of infidelity, love, death and aging. Stonich has a wonderful way of drawing you in ~~ and leave you feeling like you've just returned from a lovely but hard journey. She makes you think and question what you're reading ~~ in a delightful way. This isn't a trivial novel ~~ but it's not hard on the eyes either. This isn't a forgettable book. I recommend this to all readers.