These Granite Islands

by Sarah Stonich

Book Overview

Now in paperback: one of the most highly acclaimed literary debuts of recent seasons--a tale of love, loss, and friendship that magically recalls one fateful Midwestern summer in 1936.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316815586
• ISBN13: 9780316815581
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Back Bay Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Best Fiction I Have Read in Years

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!!

Surprising First Novel

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!

Magical Use Of Words

"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.

An Eloquent Life

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.

Fabulous relationship drama

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