Title: Gullstruck Island
Author: Frances Hardinge
First published December 16, 2008
498 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780330441919 (ISBN10: 0330441914)
Rating: 4.13
Overview
Welcome to the mystical Gullstruck Island where volcanoes argue, beetles sing danger, and the occasional Lost is born. Meet two sisters, Arilou, a Lost with the power to depart her body and mind-fly with the winds, and Hathin, her devoted helper.
But their secret could be their downfall when sinister events threaten to expose them, and a blue-skinned hunter and dreadlocked warrior are hot on their heels. Join them on an extraordinary adventure across Gullstruck Island, where the fate of two children could decide the future of this incredible world.
Experience a dazzling world, a breathtaking heroine, and an unforgettable journey in Frances Hardinge’s Gullstruck Island.
About the Author
During her childhood, Frances Hardinge resided in a large and secluded ancestral home located in a peculiar and tiny village. These two elements merged to help her develop a penchant for creating unusual and enchanting tales early on.
She pursued her higher education in English at Oxford University and currently resides in Oxford, England.
Editoral Review
Gullstruck Island by Frances Hardinge is a gripping and imaginative young adult novel that will transport readers to a magical world full of adventure and wonder. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and compelling themes, this book is sure to capture the hearts of readers of all ages.
Hardinge is a talented and prolific author of children’s and young adult literature. Her work is known for its vivid descriptions, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes.
In Gullstruck Island, she employs all of these elements to great effect, creating a truly captivating story that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. The novel is set on a remote island that is home to two distinct cultures: the Lace and the Lascar.
The Lace are a pale-skinned people who value logic, reason, and science above all else. The Lascar, on the other hand, are a dark-skinned people who are deeply connected to the natural world and the spirits that inhabit it.
These two cultures have lived in relative harmony for centuries, but tensions are beginning to rise as the Lace seek to exploit the island’s resources for their own gain. The story follows the journey of two sisters, Arilou and Hathin, who are members of the Lascar community.
When Arilou is kidnapped by a group of Lace scientists, Hathin sets out on a perilous journey to rescue her. Along the way, she must navigate treacherous terrain, battle dangerous creatures, and confront the deep-seated prejudices that threaten to tear her community apart.
One of the strengths of Gullstruck Island is its richly imagined setting. Hardinge has created a world that is both enchanting and terrifying, with a sense of danger lurking around every corner.
The island itself is a character in its own right, with its dense forests, perilous cliffs, and vast, open plains. The creatures that inhabit the island, such as the flying genderless Mothmen and the fearsome carnivorous Stripes, are wonderfully detailed and add to the sense of wonder and danger that permeates the story.
The character development in the novel is also superb. Hathin is a complex and relatable protagonist, struggling to reconcile her love for her sister with the demands of her community.
She is a fierce and determined fighter, but she is also vulnerable and deeply compassionate. The other characters in the novel, such as the enigmatic Lace scientist Brother and the Lascar leader Greencoat, are equally well-drawn and add depth and nuance to the story.
While the pacing of the novel may be slow at times, it is never dull. Hardinge takes her time building the world and developing the characters, but the payoff is well worth it.
The themes of the novel, such as the dangers of colonialism and the importance of preserving the natural world, are woven seamlessly into the story and make for a satisfying intellectual experience. In conclusion, Gullstruck Island is a beautifully written and deeply satisfying novel that will delight readers of all ages.
Its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and compelling themes make it a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure story.
