Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder – a Review
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Description:
On the island, everything is perfect. The sun rises in a sky filled with dancing shapes; the wind, water, and trees shelter and protect those who live there; when the nine children go to sleep in their cabins, it is with full stomachs and joy in their hearts. And only one thing ever changes: on that day, each year, when a boat appears from the mist upon the ocean carrying one young child to join them—and taking the eldest one away, never to be seen again.
Today’s Changing is no different. The boat arrives, taking away Jinny’s best friend, Deen, replacing him with a new little girl named Ess, and leaving Jinny as the new Elder. Jinny knows her responsibility now—to teach Ess everything she needs to know about the island, to keep things as they’ve always been. But will she be ready for the inevitable day when the boat will come back—and take her away forever from the only home she’s known?
Review:
Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder is a middle-grade stand alone novel that can be read very well by adults.
Orphan Island takes place on an unknown island, where there are children who live alone. The island itself is kind of perfect; beautiful landscape, skies, cabins to live in, and plenty of food to gather. Each child will have their chores to help each other; such as cleaning, hunting for clams or fishing, cooking, teaching the younger children, as well as having fun. Every year, a boat comes bringing in a young child, and at the same time the Elder (oldest ) leaves on the boat, always keeping the count at 9. This is a rule that must be followed, or the perfect protected island could fall apart.
We meet Jinny, who has to say goodbye to her friend Deen, her best friend and the current Elder who must leave. Jinny is sad, but she is now the Elder, and it becomes her responsibility to take “Care” of the child who has arrived, Ess. We get to meet the other children, and watch how they learn to live very well on the island, including the differences of each, as well as their learned specialties. Jinny keeps Ess close to her at all times, taking her on trips to see the wonders and to teach her to swim. Because of her worry about Ess, she begins to wonder what happens to those who leave, and when the boat arrives again, Jinny refuses to leave. She feels it is her place to stay and watch over Ess, as well as the new child who comes.
When normal things such as the beautiful sky, controlled winds change, sparseness of food, and an accident occurs, Jinny must question her decision and the consequences she has caused.
This was a different type of story line. There are no paranormal or dystopian elements, no excitement, but a simple well written story revolving around children learning to live together on an abandoned island. Though it is a good story, I did not really like the ending, which left you to your imagination on what happens. I would have wanted to learn more about why the children are sent to the island, what was the purpose of this, and what happens to those who leave? I do recommend Orphan Island for Young Adults, as well as adults who enjoy a story line about children surviving on their own.
Reviewed by Barb
Copy provided by Publisher
