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The Island

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The Island

By: Victoria Hislop
Narrated by: Sandra Duncan
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About this listen

INSPIRED BY TRUTH, THE STORY THAT HAS CAPTIVATED THE WORLD.

This was not the start of a short trip to deliver supplies. It was the beginning of a one-way journey to start a new life. Life on a leper colony. Life on Spinalonga.

Fifty years later, making a life-changing journey of her own, Alexis Fielding feels the pull of the abandoned island. A distant shadow off the coast of Crete, she knows it holds the secrets of her mother's past, buried for so long but surely not forgotten . . .

Discover for yourself why 10 million readers and critics worldwide love Victoria Hislop's books . . .

'Passionately engaged with its subject . . . meticulously researched' The Sunday Times

'Hislop carefully evokes the lives of Cretans between the wars and during German occupation, but most commendable is her compassionate portrayal of the outcasts' Guardian

'A page-turning tale that reminds us that love and life continue in even the most extraordinary of circumstances' Sunday Express

'The story of life on Spinalonga, the lepers' island, is gripping and carries real emotional impact. Victoria Hislop . . . brings dignity and tenderness to her novel about lives blighted by leprosy' Telegraph

'Vivid, moving and absorbing' Observer


©2005 Victoria Hislop (P)2006 Headline Digital Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Women's Fiction Tear-jerking England War
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I loved the description of Cretean society, culture and customs. As well, the past history of Spinalonga's leper colony, the information about the nature of leprosy and its social, psychological and physical impact on a patient's life. The gradual breakthrough in overcoming this milleneal, much dreaded disease, and the discovery of a cure by dedicated and compassionate medical professionals is an amazing tale in itself! All this, weaved into a breathtaking account about a Cretean family with very differing characters and destinies. Nothing less than inspiring!

Such a beautifully written and performed story!

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Loved this so much, couldn't put it down. Maria deserved happiness and love. I will listen to the whole book again.

Immersed in it

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I really enjoyed the book, and recommend it, however at times found the narration of certain voices a bit annoying. The start was a little slow, however once engaged in the characters, found I listened every spare moment.

Engaging generational story with vivid descriptions

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as far as it goes it was a good listen. pronunciation of names was a good attempt, they weren't easy, I just had to ignore it to be able to get on with story.

interesting storyline

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Considering the narration is professional, I found it very annoying that Greek names and words were so badly pronounced. The story was very good but the constant mispronunciation took away from the enjoyment of listening to the book.

Narration Lacking

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A very good read about love life tragedy and survival. Lots of historical information as well.

The island

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Absolutely loved this book. I had never heard of the Leper colony Spinalonga before. I feel it taught me something as well as entertained me.

The Island

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I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and informative. I learned so much about leprosy, Crete and human relationships. The characters were so well rounded and the story overwhelming at times. It’s a book you won’t forget.

Excellent but you will need a box of tissues

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Very interesting historical facts woven through a love story. Beautifully written and performed. highly recommend.

Wonderful story of love's triumph

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a good book about multigeneraltional greek life and leprosy. i throughly enjoyed listening to this book.

good book on leprosy

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