An Island by Karen Jennings [Paperback]

An Island by Karen Jennings: A Haunting Tale of Refuge, History, and Home

Longlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize, Karen Jennings' An Island is a powerful and moving novel that explores themes of guilt, fear, friendship, rejection, and the enduring search for home. Set on a remote island, the story centers on Samuel, an old lighthouse keeper, whose solitary life is upended by the arrival of a young, unconscious refugee.

This unexpected encounter throws Samuel's past into sharp relief. Memories of his life on the mainland – a tumultuous history marked by colonialism, a fight for independence, and the descent into a brutal dictatorship – come flooding back. The arrival of the refugee forces Samuel to confront not only his own troubled past but also the very concept of belonging.

Unraveling Secrets and Redefining Home

As Samuel cares for the injured refugee, a fragile bond begins to form. The young man's unknown origins and reasons for seeking refuge become a source of both tension and curiosity.  Samuel grapples with his own role in the island's past and the history of his homeland. Profound questions of land ownership, displacement, and the legacy of colonialism come to the forefront.

A Gripping Exploration of Identity and Humanity

With An Island, Jennings delivers a captivating exploration of human connection in the face of isolation. The contrasting experiences of Samuel, a man rooted in his solitary existence, and the young refugee, yearning for safety and a place to belong, create a powerful dynamic. Through their interactions, the novel delves into the complexities of identity, the burdens of the past, and the enduring human need for connection.

Perfect for Readers Who Enjoy:

Literary fiction with a strong sense of place
Stories that explore themes of displacement, identity, and belonging
Books that grapple with the complexities of history and its impact on individuals
Character-driven narratives that delve into the human condition

An Island is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.