Clarissa Johal

The Island, by Clarissa Johal, was a surprisingly fun read. This was the first book that I have read by the author, and I will admit to having been skeptical about the quality due to the relatively small size of the novel (I hold suspect anything less than 300 pages). The Island managed to provide a developed story within the small confines of the text, introducing us to reasonably complex characters who begin the process of clearing out a deceased relative's belongings from a family-owned island. As the story progresses, we learn our characters are not alone in their adventure, with bits of spookiness mixed in with the prose. What the reader will find is a developed story, likable characters with fascinating histories, set in a place that is described well enough to paint a well-developed mental picture. While I believe the author could certainly have expanded on the story to provide more depth, I am pleased to offer my own recommendation. Be advised-- it is a hard book to put down!… (mere)

The Island, by Clarissa Johal, was a surprisingly fun read. This was the first book that I have read by the author, and I will admit to having been skeptical about the quality due to the relatively small size of the novel (I hold suspect anything less than 300 pages). The Island managed to provide a developed story within the small confines of the text, introducing us to reasonably complex characters who begin the process of clearing out a deceased relative's belongings from a family-owned island. As the story progresses, we learn our characters are not alone in their adventure, with bits of spookiness mixed in with the prose. What the reader will find is a developed story, likable characters with fascinating histories, set in a place that is described well enough to paint a well-developed mental picture. While I believe the author could certainly have expanded on the story to provide more depth, I am pleased to offer my own recommendation. Be advised-- it is a hard book to put down!… (mere)