A poignant meditation on solitude, ageing, and the intricate ties that bind us to place and memory, BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award 2023 Novella of the Year, The Islander, is a masterful work of literary fiction that lingers long after the final page.
Table of Contents
Review
Profound, reflective, lyrical.
Throughout history, individuals have sought refuge in solitude, from Thoreau’s retreat at Walden Pond to the monastic silence of hermits in the wilderness. Psychologists assert that solitude, when chosen, can lead to deep self-reflection and creativity. This idea underpins the narrative of The Islander, where Seamus Damp, an ageing writer, resides in isolation on a windswept Irish isle. His life unfolds amidst the cadence of the sea and the rhythms of his own thoughts, creating an evocative exploration of life’s beauty, its transience, and the light that persists even in the most shadowed corners of existence.
The book follows Seamus as he faces the physical and emotional terrain of his final days on the island he has called home. Anchored by vivid imagery, the story portrays the interplay of nature’s elemental power and the fragility of human life. With his faithful dog Olivia as his steadfast companion, Seamus reflects on his past while confronting the inevitability of change. The unexpected arrival of a visitor disrupts his solitude, awakening questions about his relationship with others and his place in the world.
Berner’s prose is elegant and evocative, painting a portrait of the island that feels alive with its “God-touched clouds” and the refracting light that mesmerises Seamus each dawn and dusk. The pacing mirrors the protagonist’s introspection, offering the reader moments of stillness and revelation. The narrative is deeply personal yet universal, resonating with those who have wrestled with the complexities of identity, family, and legacy. My favourite scene occurs as Seamus stands before his bookshelf, pondering the books he has read and those he has yet to open, a quiet metaphor for the unread chapters of his own life. It is a moment of heart-stopping poignancy, capturing the bittersweet beauty of time’s passage.
While the book’s deliberate pace and introspective nature may not appeal to readers seeking action or high drama, it will fascinate those who relish introspective storytelling and lyrical language. Admirers of Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead or Kent Haruf’s Our Souls at Night will find a similar quiet power in Berner’s work. Fans of reflective, character-driven narratives steeped in natural beauty will feel a profound connection to this book.
In The Islander, David W. Berner crafts a narrative that is both a love letter to solitude and a rumination on the inescapable tide of change. His words, like the light that dances across the island, illuminate the profound truths of human existence with an ethereal glow. The book speaks of the enduring allure of introspection and offers readers a chance to step into the quiet and see the world, and themselves, anew.
About the Author
David W. Berner is a best-selling author of fiction and memoir, known for award-winning works like The Islander, Walks with Sam, and Accidental Lessons. He has received honours from the NYC Big Book Awards, Society of Midland Authors, and more. Berner teaches at Gotham Writers’ Workshop in New York.
Book Details
- Title: The Islander
- Author: David W. Berner
- Genre(s) and Sub-genre(s): Fiction – Literary Fiction
- Theme(s): Solitude, Family, Nature, Ageing
- Minimum Audience Age: 16+ (recommended due to contemplative and mature themes)
- Main Language: English
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Ratings and Explanations
- Sexual Themes: 0
No sexual themes are present in the book. - Religious Themes: 1
Subtle mentions of spirituality or existential reflection. - Violence, Self-Harm, etc.: 1
Minimal references to frailty and ageing struggles. - Crude Language, Expletives, Swearing, etc.: 0
No use of crude or offensive language detected. - Other Adult Themes: 2
Addresses ageing, solitude, and strained family relationships sensitively.
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[…] Berner’s The Islander was chosen for its portrayal of introspection and change. According to the review, the book is “not a travel story but a story of travelling inward, away from things, people, and […]
[…] Berner’s The Islander was chosen for its portrayal of introspection and change. According to the review, the book is “not a travel story but a story of travelling inward, away from things, people, and […]
[…] Berner’s The Islander was chosen for its portrayal of introspection and change. According to the review, the book is “not a travel story but a story of travelling inward, away from things, people, and […]
[…] Berner’s The Islander was chosen for its portrayal of introspection and change. According to the review, the book is “not a travel story but a story of travelling inward, away from things, people, and […]
[…] Berner’s The Islander was chosen for its portrayal of introspection and change. According to the review, the book is “not a travel story but a story of travelling inward, away from things, people, and […]
[…] Berner’s The Islander was chosen for its portrayal of introspection and change. According to the review, the book is “not a travel story but a story of travelling inward, away from things, people, and […]
[…] Berner’s The Islander was chosen for its portrayal of introspection and change. According to the review, the book is “not a travel story but a story of travelling inward, away from things, people, and […]