I read this at the time of Covid 19 pandemic, and the fact that two orphan children in this novel are trying to survive on an island by fishing and growing their food and foraging, put a lot of things into perspective.

It is an atmospheric read, don’t expect incredible plot twists or a crowd of characters or in fact any change of location. However, considering the limitations the author has set for himself – the stylised language, the setting, the overemphasis on survival – this book is fairly accomplished. It is compelling to read, and never have I felt bored of the detailed descriptions of the children’s routine life.

Michael Crummey succeeded in showing that even when certain things are considered outrageous by society, the may in fact be innocent contextually.