Great insight into 3 generations plus of ownership of the main island in Rangeley Lake in Rangeley, Maine. A personal accounting of the Dickson family adventure on acquiring Maneskootuk island, building a spectacular compound of sorts, in the late 1800's, living, entertaining, growing a family, buying more lake property and then, the slow change of events that led to several declines, rebirths, and ultimate demise of this amazing island paradise retreat. Stunning gardens, servants, steam launches, constant entertaining, all in the challenging environment of a Maine Island in far reches of civilization. Money was no object in the beginning and the creations was grand with thet author's grandparents making it all happen. I have a ridiculous obsession with islands in general, I live in Maine, I have camped on Rangeley Lake, and i have recently read a later book by later owners of this island and was thrilled to have this book given to me by a friend! I only wish i could have seen this place in its prime.

The book is charming for the most part, but does ramble and divert occasionally, as do our family lives, and i occasionally got confused as to who we were talking about, but all in all, I loved it! ( )