In July I began reading Michael O’Brien’s Island of the World
When I finished reading it, I couldn’t stop discussing it. I gave copies to friends. But I shrank from writing about Island. It is a big book in every sense of the word. How can I express its power in a short review? A friend read it and said, “It changed my life.” Island of the World has 18 reviews on Amazon; all are 5 stars. Laura, whose review began with these words “Best book ever.”, bought every book written by O’Brien after reading this.
So what is it about? Light and darkness, loss and blessing, deep interior wounds, survival, sanity after trauma, crucifixion, resurrection. Grief mingled with inexplicable joy. All condensed in the life of a single Croatian man named Josip Lasta.
about culture and the actual creation of culture.
I am intrigued by the cultures portrayed in O’Brien’s book: the rustic mountain village northwest of Sarajevo with an interdependent community and a faithful priest; the heady high culture of academia discussing philosophy and experiencing art; the tight grip on the edge of sanity, clinging to a vestige of humanity in a labor camp; the incremental rebuilding of a life in an Italian hospital; the life of a solitary janitor in New York City.
It was given. It is gift and cost–and in time the cost may
become entirely gift. It is hard to know if that will be the
end of all this striving, impossible to guess when the next
blessing or blow will fall.
I can’t be sure, but I suspect that Michael O’Brien is my new Wendell Berry. That is the highest compliment I can offer.
Get this book. Burrow into it. It will change you.
Friends’ reviews: Laura, Janie Another review: Rabbit Room
Enter a comment and I will have a drawing. Let’s say December 4th.
Post a link, tweet about it, email a friend (and let me know you did)
and I’ll enter your name twice!
You can have choose between paperback or Kindle version.
International entries are welcome.
A Living Pencil 
because i don’t have the words yet to say what i should about this book, i will simply say –ditto.it has stayed with me, haunted me some, grieved me, given me hope – and changed me. it was a perfectly timed gift from someone i adore, and i’ll never forget that.The Lord knew what I needed.
Beautiful review, Carol. Please don’t enter me in the drawing, as I have a copy. I’m so sorry about your friend. I’m sure that your loss did heighten your ability to understand and empathize with the numerous losses (and numerous redemptive acts) in the book.
@wonderloveandpraise – ps – don’t enter me, either. got one! 🙂
It sounds like a wonderful book. So far, I have loved every book that you’ve recommended! Makes me wish I had more time to read . . .
Thank you, dear Carol, for reviewing Island. Such a life-changing and mind-changing book. Please don’t enter me in the drawing. I treasure my copy.
Thank you for your sensitive review and for sharing how this book impacted your life through a difficult time. I would be privileged to win a copy, but it will go on my TBR list regardless.
Carol,I too am sorry about the loss of your friend. I also have added this to my TBR list upon your high recommendation. Another Wendell Berry? I have GOT to read this author!! Berry, as you know, has changed my life. I’d be honored to be placed in your drawing. Thank you for this beautiful review.Sandy
Carol, my curiosity is more than piqued! I’d love to join the drawing, please. This sounds like a must-read…
I am almost afraid to read it. I know my mother would like to, and I’ll try. So, enter me, please!
Yours is the second glowing review I’ve read. Immediately adding it to my list. And please throw my name into the hat. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend.
I would feel like I was cheating to win another book from you…but can’t help but leave a comment after reading this post! You introduced me to Wendell Berry…and your were SO correct about him! Win it or not I shall have to read this book….and share it with my daughter and her boyfriend.
Sounds like I need to read Michael O’Brien. Please add my name to the hat
Sounds impressive. However, I opt out of the contest, because I’m not liable to wolf down books unless they’re sci-fi or action.
I have loved everything I have read of his. Thanks for the tip. I’d love a free copy, but if I don’t win, I’ll just go buy one.Suzanne
Sounds like a great read–I’d never heard of it, so thanks for the review!
I am going to spend a small fortune and buy the Kindle version of this book in December, based on your review and quotes alone. I trust your judgment, and plan to blog about my reading more in 2011 than I have this year.
I’ve had this book on my TBR list for ages. Hope to read it soon.
Well, I’m back. I’ve decided to enter my friend’s name, Cindy, who is reading my book right now. I should say, she is attempting to proceed through it. I’ve heavily encouraged her to read it because I just feel like doing so will be somewhat therapeutic for her. She is a lovely woman about our ages with four children. She’s worked at our school for years and years and put and of her four children through the school, the youngest graduating four years ago. They have endured years of financial hardships since. The reason I really believe Island will be therapeutic is that she lost her son, a senior (I believe) at school, in a tragic accident that couldn’t be stopped. His father was present throughout the accident and had to bear the burden of watching his son die. The son was a vibrant Christian, as are his parents. Grief is never overcome. But when I finished reading about Josip, I just know deep down that as hard as this book is to read, it will also help them. I hope I am not wrong. But as Josip comes to realize, one only arrives at resurrection after crucifixion. So, Carol, please place my name in the drawing for Cindy. She would be humbled to receive one of her own.~Janie
Count me in. I’ve never heard of this book, but you’ve got me very curious!
I’m so sorry to read of the loss of your friend. I would be very interested to read O Brien’s book. I enjoyed Strangers and Sojourners very much. Our library doesn’t carry it but I’ve filled out recommendation for them to buy it. I’d be thrilled to win a copy. Thanks for the draw!
I found this article from a xanga query for Wendell Berry. I’m glad I did. I will definitely have to look it up.
Sounds like a book I should add to my list. Thanks for reiewing it and offering a copy! I’d love to be entered.Mrs. H
I am always looking for a good book to read! I want to enter your drawing!
Your blog and Facebook posts continually bring joy to my days. Thank you neighbor and friend!
OK, I think this book is going to be on my Christmas list if I don’t win it here. Thanks for the recommendation.
I need to read a really good book. Is this the same author as Landscape of Dragons?
@wayside wanderer – Yes, indeed.
i wanted to tell you that i just ordered this book and have begun reading it simply because of your glowing review. it is wonderful. thank you so much carol!blessings,julie harris