FICTION

Island Apart

Forge: Tor. Jun. 2012. c.288p. ISBN 9780765332387. $24.99. F
COPY ISBN
New York book editor Claire Doheney, finishing up her last few chemotherapy treatments for aggressive breast cancer, agrees to house-sit a friend's summer home on Chappaquiddick Island, close to Martha's Vineyard. After a bicycle accident, she meets a man known to the locals only as "the Hermit." The Hermit rarely speaks to anyone and lives solely off the land, but he and Claire begin a relationship sparked by their shared love of the culinary arts. Despite his looks—shabby and unkempt—the Hermit is quite the foodie. A romance develops between these two lonely people, both damaged by former relationships.
VERDICT Cookbook author Raichlen (The Barbecue! Bible) makes his fiction debut with this tasty beach book whose wonderfully evocative descriptions of meals should not be read on an empty stomach. Despite a few flaws—a rushed ending and contrived situations easily and quickly resolved—Raichlin's novel will appeal to readers interested in later-in-life love stories and fans of culinary fiction.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?