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Island Eyes
A true life account of paradise at any cost.
‘You lost in Thailand, man! Where you want to go?’
‘I’m looking for a place …’ I said vaguely.
She held up a finger then brought it to touch the side of her nose. ‘I know the place where you want to go, somewhere just for you guy ….’ I couldn’t help but lose myself in a huge grin when she followed up with, ‘Stay lost and enjoy your life Mister.
‘You Kim, I Boon. Big boss.’ Multiple gold rings clicked together as his fingers folded around mine.
A warm wind wrapped around the island of lost souls, obsession mounted alongside a sickening tension of corruption, mafia law, impulse driven bohemian hedonism and living on the edge - literally.
‘Watch your back - save your life!’ I swallowed the lump before it reached my throat - stories can get you killed out here …
... and then - as this true-life tale was being written - another story was born to run alongside it - the tale of Lemon and her friend - it makes for an extraordinary read.
‘You lost in Thailand, man! Where you want to go?’
‘I’m looking for a place …’ I said vaguely.
She held up a finger then brought it to touch the side of her nose. ‘I know the place where you want to go, somewhere just for you guy ….’ I couldn’t help but lose myself in a huge grin when she followed up with, ‘Stay lost and enjoy your life Mister.
‘You Kim, I Boon. Big boss.’ Multiple gold rings clicked together as his fingers folded around mine.
A warm wind wrapped around the island of lost souls, obsession mounted alongside a sickening tension of corruption, mafia law, impulse driven bohemian hedonism and living on the edge - literally.
‘Watch your back - save your life!’ I swallowed the lump before it reached my throat - stories can get you killed out here …
... and then - as this true-life tale was being written - another story was born to run alongside it - the tale of Lemon and her friend - it makes for an extraordinary read.
277 pages, Paperback
Published November 24, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 22, 2020
Don't think this is one of your run of the mill novels about a beautiful tropical island. It's so much more than that. Clem takes us on a journey where we're not bystanders - we're actually Clem, and think like Clem, feel like Clem, and suffer like Clem! It's one of those novels which, once you start the very first page, you can't stop reading. He takes us with him on an incredible journey, showing us his initial naivety, vulnerability, self-doubt, and subsequent survival. I felt as though I had actually been in Thailand, doing and seeing all the things Clem describes. In some ways I wish I had had the guts to do what Clem did and take a chance, but I've done the nearest best thing and read his book!
April 13, 2020
Received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author via voracious readers only.
What a strange but fascinating story this was. It follows the life and travels of courageous Clem, who one day decides to leave his humdrum life and go on the adventure of a lifetime. The story is so well narrated that you feel that you are with him with every twist and turn as he strives to form his new life on the beautiful shores of Thailand.
Entwined within Clem travels are two other points of view-
A small crab who sails the sea on a discarded piece of footwear.
Lemon and her friend who look down upon the world and view us rather the same way as we view ants that scurry from place to place.
Well worth a read as it’s not your normal travel story.
What a strange but fascinating story this was. It follows the life and travels of courageous Clem, who one day decides to leave his humdrum life and go on the adventure of a lifetime. The story is so well narrated that you feel that you are with him with every twist and turn as he strives to form his new life on the beautiful shores of Thailand.
Entwined within Clem travels are two other points of view-
A small crab who sails the sea on a discarded piece of footwear.
Lemon and her friend who look down upon the world and view us rather the same way as we view ants that scurry from place to place.
Well worth a read as it’s not your normal travel story.
November 29, 2020
The loveliest, strangest, most intriguing read. It honestly usually takes me a solid amount of time to get through a book, but this one I just couldn't put down. I would highly recommend to absolutely anyone and everyone. My new all time favourite book
November 12, 2020
What an interesting journey. I recommend Island Eyes, a rare mix of emotion and writing style that really worked for me.
January 10, 2020
Island Eyes starts off by giving you a bit of insight into how Clem views the world, warming you up to his perspective with a few cheeky chuckles. Before long you'll be quite excited to be joining him on his travels in search of a more stimulating life and, once there, youll be surprised to find yourself in the front seat of his rollercoaster journey, with both feet in for each up and down. Running alongside his first hand experiences are two fictional plots, one which, in a more simplified manner, playfully mirrors his journey and another which, with childlike innocence, examines and challenges the world and human behaviour.
I knew to expect a thrilling travel story and this book definitely delivers exactly that. What you don't expect, but will be delighted to find, is all the food for thought. I had to put the book down several times to mull the ideas presented before moving on, eager to continue the cycle.
I genuinely recommend this book, not only to those who have travelled and will relate to Clem's adventures, but to anyone who would enjoy a quick escape into an entirely different world from the safety of wherever they choose to read it. My only advice is to be open and willing to look at the world through island eyes.
I knew to expect a thrilling travel story and this book definitely delivers exactly that. What you don't expect, but will be delighted to find, is all the food for thought. I had to put the book down several times to mull the ideas presented before moving on, eager to continue the cycle.
I genuinely recommend this book, not only to those who have travelled and will relate to Clem's adventures, but to anyone who would enjoy a quick escape into an entirely different world from the safety of wherever they choose to read it. My only advice is to be open and willing to look at the world through island eyes.
May 11, 2020
What a surprise, not the usual book I would go for but very happy I’ve read it.
While going on an adventure to Thailand with Clem and his colourful, inspiring and brutally honest writing style I was floating on a raft of joy, laughter, compassion, thrill and wonder. This unusual story had me reading enthusiastically from the beginning till the end. Especially since in the first few chapters some question marks popped up in the back of my brain and my mind wanted to get rid of them as soon as possible. The result? It’s a long time ago that I’ve read a book in such a short amount of time. But Island eyes did the trick for me.
At the same time this book allowed me to stop for a minute and think about my life. What would I have done in Clem’s situation? How are my Island eyes? Maybe I shouldn’t take things too serious in life. Or should I? Maybe Lemon is right...
This very well written book full of adventure, challenges and lessons will for sure trigger you to go on an adventure yourself, grab life by the horns and appreciate the small things in life, just like crab. Thanks Clem, crab and Lemon.
While going on an adventure to Thailand with Clem and his colourful, inspiring and brutally honest writing style I was floating on a raft of joy, laughter, compassion, thrill and wonder. This unusual story had me reading enthusiastically from the beginning till the end. Especially since in the first few chapters some question marks popped up in the back of my brain and my mind wanted to get rid of them as soon as possible. The result? It’s a long time ago that I’ve read a book in such a short amount of time. But Island eyes did the trick for me.
At the same time this book allowed me to stop for a minute and think about my life. What would I have done in Clem’s situation? How are my Island eyes? Maybe I shouldn’t take things too serious in life. Or should I? Maybe Lemon is right...
This very well written book full of adventure, challenges and lessons will for sure trigger you to go on an adventure yourself, grab life by the horns and appreciate the small things in life, just like crab. Thanks Clem, crab and Lemon.
January 1, 2020
Not just a travel book - this one truly has an added dimension.
Clem has an authentic voice in the chapters that tell of his own exploits both before he takes a one way ticket to Thailand and afterwards, while he is living there. These chapters are true-life - despite some being almost unbelievable!
What made this book extraordinary to me was when we met Lemon and her friend and the voice changed to be, uniquely, that of Lemon's friend in this slice of spiritual fiction. . . Oh, and then there was the little crab's story :) AND the way these three elements reflected and affected each other.
Island Eyes doesn't set out to be humorous, but I actually laughed out loud here and there, but it was also exciting, worrying and fascinating in turn. An exceptional read from a debut author.
Clem has an authentic voice in the chapters that tell of his own exploits both before he takes a one way ticket to Thailand and afterwards, while he is living there. These chapters are true-life - despite some being almost unbelievable!
What made this book extraordinary to me was when we met Lemon and her friend and the voice changed to be, uniquely, that of Lemon's friend in this slice of spiritual fiction. . . Oh, and then there was the little crab's story :) AND the way these three elements reflected and affected each other.
Island Eyes doesn't set out to be humorous, but I actually laughed out loud here and there, but it was also exciting, worrying and fascinating in turn. An exceptional read from a debut author.
March 26, 2020
Island Eyes by Clem
One fifth of the way through and I just don’t understand. I’m trying and can’t believe that the difference of appeal for a younger generation can be that far apart. Who is Lemon? Is she a figment of an imagination?
A guide to the Thai culture from the perception of a someone trying to understand or find themselves; have I got it now? I’m not sure I’ll finish this book as I find it boring and rather like a new to sailing boat owner who after one season writes a book expecting other sailors to think it great.
I’m searching for hidden depths that I don’t think are there. It’s a lightweight, so far. Really sorry but I won’t be finishing it.
One fifth of the way through and I just don’t understand. I’m trying and can’t believe that the difference of appeal for a younger generation can be that far apart. Who is Lemon? Is she a figment of an imagination?
A guide to the Thai culture from the perception of a someone trying to understand or find themselves; have I got it now? I’m not sure I’ll finish this book as I find it boring and rather like a new to sailing boat owner who after one season writes a book expecting other sailors to think it great.
I’m searching for hidden depths that I don’t think are there. It’s a lightweight, so far. Really sorry but I won’t be finishing it.
April 12, 2020
I received this ebook thru the Vorachious Readers website website. This book is amazing and actually 3 stories in one. The main story is true and i was riveted to the end, wondering what would happen.
June 5, 2022
This is not your typical island paradise….lol…nice quick read (I forgot I had finished this book lol)
August 13, 2022
Very enjoyable read. There's a story of Clems (Kims) adventures and misadventures on the Island ,but also two lovely micro and macro stories. Hope to read soon his next book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews