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81st out of 119 books
—
85 voters
The Island of the World
Island of the World is the story of a child born in 1933 into the turbulent world of the Balkans and tracing his life into the third millennium. The central character is Josip Lasta, the son of an impoverished school teacher in a remote village high in the mountains of the Bosnian interior. As the novel begins, World War II is underway and the entire region of Yugoslavia i...more
Hardcover, 839 pages
Published
November 15th 2007
by Ignatius Press
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This is an extremely intense novel. Michael O'Brien has a knack for writing books that change the reader. This book is a marvelous, painful, and redemptive look at how love and suffering are two sides of one coin. He seems to capture the most sublime love and also the most unimaginable suffering, and somehow pack them into one character and make us understand how all of this could really exist in the history of one person. By the grace of God, suffering does not blot love out of his heart. This...more
Borrowed from a Library. Hope to own.
This book is beautiful beyond words. Painful, excruciating at times. But even there the words are beautiful.
Joy, infinite joy. Sadness, deep sadness. It will make you think. I can't review such a book.
(view spoiler)...more
This book is beautiful beyond words. Painful, excruciating at times. But even there the words are beautiful.
Joy, infinite joy. Sadness, deep sadness. It will make you think. I can't review such a book.
(view spoiler)...more
There aren't enough stars to rate this book highly enough. It is in my top 3 all time favorites (possibly #1). The main character, Josip Lasta, is still with me, long after I turned the last page. He is like a brother or even a son that I have loved deeply and lost. The author, Michael O'Brien took the most tender care of me, as a reader, while I stood witness to the many hardships and unspeakable horrors wrought by the evil that dwells in and around mankind here on earth. I was inspired and enc...more
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Wow... a monstrosity of a book (Clan of the Cave Bear size!). And it sucked me in, with its story of a quaint Bosnian mountain village torn apart by war and the boy who made it out, denounced God and traveled to Croatia (He was a Croat living in Bosnia). Lovely story, lovely imagery- thoroughly enjoyable. But in the first few pages I realized that the MAIN story was about losing one's Catholic religion and finding it again. And I was OK with that, since I love Elie Wiesel for the same topic. BUT...more
What mostly amazes me in this astonishing book is the fact that a Canadian has so profound understanding of history of Croatian people throughout previous century. If a Croat would write such a book many would say it's propaganda. I hope it's easier to accept this book from a non-Croat as truthful account of sufferings that Croatian people went through and are still going through enduring external violence so crafty that it achieve not only external goals, but it can influence the very soul of m...more
Island of the World cannot be described in any other way than the story of a soul – Josip Lasta. And what a beautiful soul it is! Josip's life is categorized by suffering. It appears as if all the powers in the world are working against him in some way. He can turn nowhere without enduring pain, loss, or misfortune. I know those words aren't the best way to sell a novel, but if that seems off-putting, I would offer this note before you begin reading:
O'Brien begins by allowing his readers to fall...more
O'Brien begins by allowing his readers to fall...more
The _Island of the World_ is not reached by swimming the shallows. This is a book with depth and pathos, a tale of a Croatian who suffered unspeakable horrors and loss as the winds of war engulfed his country. An 800+ page tome, the lengthy story begins in 1933, painting the picture of the idyllic and remote mountain village into which Josip Lasta is born. The author takes great pains not to sweep over this happy season quickly, imbedding vivid scenes of Josip's simple and wholesome childhood de...more
I think if I were a knight, I would be called "Sir Helen, Devourer of Books." Gone with the Wind? Read that baby in two days. The Heaven Tree Trilogy? I liked that one a lot more, so I slowed down... and still finished all three books in as many days. My point is, I read fast. There's nothing wrong with that, most of the time. And then, about a month ago, I went to college. It's hard to just sit down and read, when at any given moment three essays need writing and there's a test day after tomorr...more
Well-written historical novel about a young boy who begins life in the Balkans in 1933. The story follows him through tragedies associated with World War II and the Communist regime, through his emigration to New York, and to his eventual return to Croatia. The story also discusses his faith journey away from the Catholicism of his youth and back again. The author does an excellent job of discussing spiritual themes in an engaging way. In a few cases, I thought the story veered off on a tangent,...more
Paul Elie, in his essay, "Has Fiction Lost Its Faith?" (New York Times, December 23, 2012) asked who are the writers today of serious spiritual content, and several persons wrote letters pointing out serious shortcomings in Elie's piece.
I would add one more writer, Michael D. O'Brien (who might have been omitted because Elie was writing about American fiction, whereas O'Brien is Canadian).
First of all, take a look at how many stars this book received, both on this site and on Amazon-dot-com. Eit...more
I would add one more writer, Michael D. O'Brien (who might have been omitted because Elie was writing about American fiction, whereas O'Brien is Canadian).
First of all, take a look at how many stars this book received, both on this site and on Amazon-dot-com. Eit...more
It took me a little while to realize that I do like this book and then a little longer to realize just how much I like it. However, since it’s 838 pages long, I had plenty of time in which to make those decisions. The Island of the World is a novel about one man, but written in epic form to illustrate the way that all our lives are epics in themselves. The Odyssey is referenced frequently and provides a backdrop for the book, which draws heavily on the beautiful theme of nostos, the homeward jou...more
i happened to come across this book after doing a search for a really good fiction book- i tend to be very picky. i was amazed at all the positive reviews both on amazon and on good reads. i decided to buy it without reading any reviews, not quite understanding what the book was about, and not knowing it was 800 pages long.
if youre looking for a book that you can soak in. be drawn into depths of mystery, theology, pain, suffering, friendship, love, loss. this is worth reading, this is a novel....more
if youre looking for a book that you can soak in. be drawn into depths of mystery, theology, pain, suffering, friendship, love, loss. this is worth reading, this is a novel....more
So I have fallen into a pattern with my book reviews of beginning by sharing the publisher’s product description first and then sharing my thoughts or summary of the book afterward. I feel like I should break from that pattern for this one. I will include it below if you want to read it here.
This book is of a different style than many that I have typically read. My wife had it recommended to her and I got to experience watching her read it. She was completely enthralled with the book (read her r...more
This book is of a different style than many that I have typically read. My wife had it recommended to her and I got to experience watching her read it. She was completely enthralled with the book (read her r...more
This book moved me close to tears more than a few times; both tears of sorrow and tears of joy. I can count books that have done that on one hand.
The book on the whole evades summary; it follows the life of Josip Lasta, from his birth in 1933 onwards. It follows him through loss and love alike. Masterfully written, it tracks his growth in years and in wisdom, through the midst of sweet sorrows and terrible joys.
Read it.
The book on the whole evades summary; it follows the life of Josip Lasta, from his birth in 1933 onwards. It follows him through loss and love alike. Masterfully written, it tracks his growth in years and in wisdom, through the midst of sweet sorrows and terrible joys.
Read it.
July 13th, - Only on page 157 and I am putting it down as one of my favourites. Beautifully written and it has made me cry already. Diffently will look for more of O'Briens work.
July 17th - almost done - No wonder this book got a 4.75 rating. It is hard but worth reading. Makes you think, cry, dream and ponder the meaning of your life.
Finished it. Makes you reflect and want to put your thoughts to paper. The poems are beautiful. I would of loved to meet Josip.
I recommend this book to everyone.
July 17th - almost done - No wonder this book got a 4.75 rating. It is hard but worth reading. Makes you think, cry, dream and ponder the meaning of your life.
Finished it. Makes you reflect and want to put your thoughts to paper. The poems are beautiful. I would of loved to meet Josip.
I recommend this book to everyone.
Thrilling as a story, stimulating as philosophical fodder, evocative as a retelling of history, compelling as spiritual insight, Island of the World holds moments of inexpressible beauty and inexpressible evil. Both exist in the world, but few people are able to see both with the clarity O'Brien has seen them and gives them to us. This is as true a story as a story can be.
Recommended by my mom, who generally reads biographies, history, and historical fiction. Ambitious 800+ page book about WWII in the region that ultimately became Yugoslavia. Excellent. I plan to read another of this author's books once I retire and have some time on my hands!
One of the most riveting books I have ever read! This book and I developed a love hate relationship. It was so intense at times I had to tear myself away from it but at the same time I couldn't stay away. I want to read every book this author has ever written. He is phenomenal!
This dense, metaphysical, soaring beauty of a book is well worth the time it takes to read its 800+ pages. I had never heard of this author before,and I hope to look up more of his books. The jacket says that Michael O'Brien is an iconographer, and this is evident in his gorgeous writing. The recurring images -- swallow, dolphin, orange -- are far more than symbols as literary devices. They become icons, signposts to remind Josip and the reader of God's abiding presence (for further reading on t...more
I absolutely LOVED this book! Man was it long...but totally worth it. A wonderful blend of history and faith. Even for the not so religious, you can't help but be brought to tears while reading the plight of the protagonist, Josip, as he endures WWII Childhood and post-war Eastern Europe. The horrors are unspeakable...but in the end it is a wonderful narrative of the triumph of the love, faith and the human spirit.
I wish I could give this book 6 stars, it was so amazing. Historical, spiritual, poetical - the scenes of the story will remain with me forever. This has become one of my favorite books of all time.
One of my two most favorite books... It's been only a year since I read it for the first time, and I'm ready for a re-read. No one book has made me feel so much and so deeply. I recommend it to anyone!!!
You can't describe the effect of this book on a person, you have to read it your self... Definitely the best book I have ever read. Maybe I am subjective since it's about my country :-)
This is one of the best books I have ever read. I was deeply moved by the story and got teary several times. I don't remember last time I was so moved by a book. This is a true gem. It is not the easiest of reads, it is a very long story, however the reward is well worth it.
A journey with Josip Lasta from childhood to old age and how he handles life as an Eastern European during its time of identity crisis and turmoil. This book wil change you.
4/23/2010 - Such a beautiful novel. I felt so many emotions throughout this beautiful story. I never want an O'Brien novel to end...this one more-so than any other. Easily one of the best stories I've ever read. Michael O'Brien is without question, the greatest Catholic novelist alive. Buy it and have your hair blown back - you'll never forget this book.
12/7/11 - updated review. Just wanted to add, after reading all O'Brien novels to date - this is his greatest work. Over a year and half has pas...more
12/7/11 - updated review. Just wanted to add, after reading all O'Brien novels to date - this is his greatest work. Over a year and half has pas...more
#1 most moving and important fiction I've ever read. Characters were so perfectly written that I found myself Googling them to see if they were real. More soon.
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Beautiful and incredibly moving account of the purge of Catholic Croats and others under the Communists. An artistic vision of one man's life from beginning to end.
This book is a long but beautiful ride through the turbulent life of Josip Lasta born in 1933 in the former Yugoslovia. I think I will always fondly remember Josip.
A haunting story of one man's survival and his search for meaning in life after his country (Croatia) is torn apart, first by the Fascist and later by Communism. Parts of the book are very disturbing to read because of the graphic realism but overall it is uplifting and beautiful. Like many of O'Brien's other novels, though, it is quite long!
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Michael D. O'Brien is a Roman Catholic author, artist, and frequent essayist and lecturer on faith and culture, living in Combermere, Ontario, Canada.
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