My Thoughts On… Off-Island by Marlene Hauser

My Thoughts On… Off-Island by Marlene Hauser

Hi All!
Today is my stop on the blog tour for Off-Island and I am here today with a review of this fascinating book!

Title: Off-Island
Author: Marlene Hauser
Publisher: Troubadoor Publishing
Published: 28th September 2018
Pages: 168
Format: ebook
Source:: Review Copy from Author
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Summary:
Krista Bourne has always been surrounded by the strength, love and wealth of her family and their homes in New York City and Martha’s Vineyard. She has never had to think for herself. Living with boyfriend Michael and her elderly grandfather, she can also summon up the comforting ghosts of her beloved father and grandmother. In vivid dreams she flies with her pilot father, and when awake remembers idyllic childhood holidays spent with her bohemian grandmother.

When Krista impulsively walks out on her career as a professional dancer, it is the beginning of a new chapter in her life. She feels unsettled and excited by the sense of imminent change around her.

This feeling turns to panic, then fear when she realises that she is pregnant and is uncertain whether or not she wants to keep the baby, bringing her and Michael to a crossroads in their relationship. Adamant that she alone must deal with the situation, Krista rejects all offers of support from him, isolating her at a time when she most needs help.

Krista’s journey and emotional upheaval take her back to her summer home on Martha’s Vineyard, where she is surprised to find out that she does not know her family history quite as well as she imagined.

My Thoughts

Having read a little excerpt of this book, I found myself very intrigued and decided that I simply had to find out more about the book. It’s not the kind of book that I would normally read but I found it to be a refreshing read that I enjoyed. It did take me a short while to get into the story and I have to admit that Krista took a while to get used to but I soon found myself fully invested in the book and the story. Marlene Hauser has done a brilliant job of creating a book that will keep you entertained, while also making you question a few things.

The first thing to mention is that this book does delve into some very sensitive topics such as abortion so do keep that in mind before picking this book up. I personally thought it was really sensitively dealt with and it was interesting to read how Marlene Hauser executed this story. As it is told through the perspective of Krista, it feels a little bit intense but I think this was a very fascinating way of writing this story. It definitely kept the reader hooked, and it was interesting to see how Krista felt about everything before and afterwards.

All in all this was a very unique and interesting read and one that I am glad that I picked up. It is very different from the books I normally read but that just made it all the more refreshing. I loved where the book was set too, splitting between New York and Martha’s Vineyard. The places were described so well that I could vividly see them in my minds eye as well. So if you’re looking for a new book to read that is intense, sensitive but also enjoyable, then make sure that you pick this book up and give it a try!

About the Author

Marlene Hauser is a professional writer based in Oxford, UK, where she lives with her husband and teenage son. She served as editor of the Writer’s New York City Source Book and originated the television film Under the Influence, going on to serve as Associate Producer and Technical Consultant. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and has received numerous awards, including a residency at the Millay Arts Colony in Upstate New York.

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