Questions About Islandia

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Answered Questions (2)

Given the authors death does this actually have a proper ending or does it just stop?

Larry Caldwell This book is called a "novel," but it's not. It's only a book thanks to a massive posthumous edit by his widow and daughter of an actual wheelbarrow f…moreThis book is called a "novel," but it's not. It's only a book thanks to a massive posthumous edit by his widow and daughter of an actual wheelbarrow full of manuscript. Wright died in a traffic accident in 1931, and Islandia was not published until 1942.

The book demands a dedicated reader. The amount of detail is astonishing. It was created a century ago, during rural mechanization. It was based on the utopian ideal of a landed aristocracy that was dreamed for America but never realized. Ursula LeGuin dedicated _The_Left_Hand_Of_Darkness_ to Wright for his world building.

Be aware that some parts will offend 21st century readers. The threat to Caucasian Islandia comes from a dark skinned neighboring country. The common people are little more than serfs. Male-female roles are ridiculously repressed, even by the standards of a century ago, though romance is a large part of the plot.

No, there is no "proper" ending, any more than there is an ending to history. There are sequels by the editor, Mark Saxton, written as more conventional stories. (less)

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Should I keep on reading? Currently on the 74th page. Probably doesn't sound much, but I'm not really enjoying the start. I'm kind of a strong believer of 'the start is what hooks you onto the book' but after reading some of these reviews, it seems some people say that the start is slow, but it gets better further on. Should I plow on and wait for it to get better or give up now and avoid misery for the 1024 pgs?

Timothy Roberts Maybe I'm strange, but I loved the book. It's not a deep literary read, but chewing gum for the eyes. I've started to read it again something light be…moreMaybe I'm strange, but I loved the book. It's not a deep literary read, but chewing gum for the eyes. I've started to read it again something light between heavy academic stuff instead of TV.(less)

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