After reading the author’s note on GoodReads about writing this book as a new take on the literary fiction genre—one that’s still intelligent and character-driven but also accessible and adventurous and “fun-brow”—I’ve decided that that is what I really enjoyed about this book, one I read in a single sitting on a Sunday summer afternoon. It’s a mash-up of different styles and genres that created a completely engrossing read.

First and foremost, this is a story of survival. Barry, a former Wall Street finance guy with dreams of being an artist, and Sophie, a newly married French architect, wind up stranded together on a very tiny island in the South Pacific, offering nothing much but a reprieve from the tumult of an angry sea and a bunch of banana trees. While there’s quite a bit of adventure embedded in the plot, it’s also so much more than a survival story. In the beginning, for example, between these omniscient-narrator, documentary-style scenes of Barry and Sophie setting up survival camp, there are these little tendrils of information, these offshoot stories, a play on six-degrees of separation that are all interconnected to this small Polynesian island where these two have been plotted. I really enjoyed this style even though it tapered off once the marooned couple’s time on the island became the focus in contrast to the the hows and whys of their arrival.

I think this would be a good summer book club pick—or one to buddy-read because I keep wanting to talk about this story, especially the ending. So if you’re into lit fic AND survival stories, grab this book and prepare to experience so much more than the thrill of adventure. Just like the intense situation Barry and Sophie navigate, the emotions we experience right along with them are just as extreme. ( )

Reason Read: bookclub pick May 2023
Well, I did not vote for this. This is a debut novel and I felt it was uneven. The story was mostly not believable but could have been a fun read. The use of profanity was not necessary and even jarring at times. I did not feel it was a well written novel though it was a story with some emotional moments and some humor. I rate it a C-. ( )

This book took me by surprised with how much I enjoyed its simple prose and minimalist love story. Two plane crash survivors are stranded on a deserted island. An unlikely romance blooms between them as they struggle to survive with dwindling resources and the uncertainty of rescue.

This was a quiet, heart-warming read that had me really rooting for their love (and them) to survive. ( )

Pros: The story is compelling and you really want to get to the end. I like the fact that the couple slowly fell in love .
Cons: Unfortunately, the story is not even slightly believable. Three years on a small island that just happens to have enough bananas to sustsin them, bandages that ate endless , medical supplies that are never used and apparently don't lose their efficacy, no colds, no infections, no tooth rot, and no proper hygiene tools (the inevitable vermin in unwashed hair just isn't an aphrodisiac)but a whole lot of sex anyways. Exactly how was Sophie taking care of her cycle without any supplies ? We will never know because it was completely ignored. Also ,why would anyone choose to make a dangerous outing with a baby instead of trying before the baby was born. Sophie's decision made no sense.This had all the same unbelievable story points as a typical female written romance just not the HEA. ( )

This book has been on my "to read" list for a while now but I wasn't really sure what it would be about besides two people who need to learn how to "survive" together on a deserted island. It ended up being so much more and there were just some extraordinary moments mixed into this castaway type story. I loved the survival parts and how they learned to first work together and co-exist on the island and then the building of their relationship, all in such an extreme and unusual situation. It wasn't perfect but I found the building of the boat and the birthday gifts parts so touching and the writing was just gorgeously done. I really enjoyed this! ( )