Title: Ember Island
Author: Kimberley Freeman
First published August 20, 2013
432 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781476743509 (ISBN10: 1476743509)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
Get lost in the pages of Kimberley Freeman’s captivating novel, Ember Island. Travel back in time to 1890, where we meet Tilly Kirkland, an orphaned young woman who finds refuge in her grandfather’s loving home in Dorset.
However, when her grandfather’s health starts to deteriorate, Tilly is left vulnerable in a society that doesn’t favor those with limited means. Enter Jasper Dellafore, a man who seems to offer Tilly a way out.
But as she moves to the Channel Islands with her new husband, she soon realizes that her dream of a happy marriage is nothing but a nightmare. Fast forward to 2012, where bestselling novelist Nina Jones escapes to her home on Ember Island to heal from her writer’s block and personal life struggles.
As she oversees the repairs of her home, she discovers hidden diary pages that unravel a mystery she’s determined to solve. The lives of Tilly and Nina may be separated by years, but the secrets they uncover in Starwater House will forever impact their futures.
Ember Island is a story of love, trust, and the power of the human heart.
About the Author
Kim Wilkins is a talented writer who was born in London but grew up in Queensland, Australia. Writing has always been her passion, and she takes pride in her ability to write in various genres.
Her works have won awards in children’s literature, historical fiction, and speculative fiction under her real name, Kim Wilkins. For her commercial women’s fiction novels, Duet and Gold Dust, she adopted the pen name Kimberley Freeman as a tribute to her grandmother and to capture the essence of the gripping novels she enjoys reading.
Kim holds an Honours degree, a Masters degree, and a PhD from The University of Queensland, where she also lectures. She currently resides in Brisbane with her young family.
Editoral Review
Ember Island by Kimberley Freeman is a captivating historical fiction novel that takes the reader on a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery. Freeman is an accomplished author known for her ability to weave intricate plots and complex characters into her stories.
Her writing is well-paced and engaging, making this novel hard to put down. Set primarily in Australia and spanning three generations, the story centers around the lives of the Carlisle family, who have spent their summers on Ember Island for decades.
The novel opens with the arrival of the youngest Carlisle, Nina, who has inherited the island from her grandmother. She plans to spend the summer renovating the crumbling mansion and learning more about her family’s history.
Through Nina’s discoveries, the novel flashes back to the 1940s and introduces us to the original inhabitants of the island, particularly a young woman named Aisha. The narrative deftly switches perspectives between Nina and Aisha, slowly revealing the secrets and mysteries that have been hidden on the island for years.
Throughout the novel, Freeman tackles issues such as grief, family dynamics, and societal expectations. The themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the importance of family run strongly throughout the novel, making it a heart-warming read.
While Freeman’s writing is undoubtedly affecting, the book takes some time to establish its footing. Some may find the story slow to start, but it picks up quickly, and the intricacies of the plot make up for the beginning’s sluggishness.
Moreover, the novel may rely somewhat on conventional tropes of the genre, such as the mysterious house with hidden passages, but Freeman’s writing elevates the story’s character and story development. Overall, Ember Island is a well-crafted novel that satisfies as a summer read, yet still hits deeper stirring emotions.
Fans of historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy epic multi-generational stories with heartfelt themes, will find much to appreciate in Freeman’s storytelling. The historical and cultural elements of the book provide insightful glimpses into foundational issues, making this novel an educational read.
Consequently, Washington Post gives Ember Island a four-star rating.
