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F.J. Campbell Hello Helen!
Beth is very interesting - I'm so glad she fascinates you lot as much as she fascinates me.
While I was writing The Islanders, I did think about …more Hello Helen!
Beth is very interesting - I'm and then glad she fascinates you as much as she fascinates me.
While I was writing The Islanders, I did remember about her a lot and she isn't e'er the easiest person to go along with. She'due south spoilt and selfish and rather vain, and I frequently felt that Livvy had style more patience with her than I ever would accept.
But in the finish, you've just got to love Beth considering she'south so strong and cocky-reliant. She has suffered in her life and things happen to her in The Islanders that you wouldn't wish on anyone, and yet she survives and emerges even stronger.
I took my inspiration for Beth'due south character from Bathsheba Everdene, who is undoubtedly one of the best literary heroines ever. Both Beth and Bathsheba brand mistakes, only and so once again don't we all?
So, yes, I did similar her - did you? (less)

Customs Reviews

 · 31 ratings  · fifteen reviews

Start your review of The Islanders

With The Islanders Fiona Campbell had the clever idea of borrowing her setting from Thomas Hardy. All the place names are from Hardy's fictional Wessex, which of course take counterparts in real English geography well-catalogued for over a century. The school is called Weatherbury Hall subsequently a village with strong associations with Hardy – the real proper noun is the unprepossessing Puddletown. Our principal characters are four sixth-form students preparing for A-level exams for university entrance. The With The Islanders Fiona Campbell had the clever thought of borrowing her setting from Thomas Hardy. All the place names are from Hardy's fictional Wessex, which of form have counterparts in existent English language geography well-catalogued for over a century. The school is called Weatherbury Hall afterward a village with strong associations with Hardy – the real name is the unprepossessing Puddletown. Our main characters are iv sixth-form students preparing for A-level exams for university archway. There's no exact American equivalent, but something similar AP courses. The time is autumn 1989 to summer 1990, when Mrs. Thatcher was prime minister and when mobile phones were uncommon. Our central graphic symbol is a new sixth-form girl, Beth Atkinson, who finds herself the centre of attention amongst the senior boys. The main rivals for Beth'south angel are Edward Markham the son of a cabinet minister who lives on a country estate, and Zack Smythe, a sophisticated Londoner who has already run upwards an impressive number of conquests, including Edward's sister Bonnie. Just Beth's virtually faithful follower is Milo West, the son of the schoolhouse groundskeeper. Milo's mother died of cancer and his father has simply killed himself, providing Milo with a very small-scale inheritance, a cottage next to the school bounds. Thank you to Beth, who has the means to pass up a scholarship, Milo also enjoys a sixth-class year.

The idea of the son of a groundskeeper at an expensive school brought to listen Joanne Harris'due south Gentlemen and Players but fortunately the flavour The Islanders differs toto caelo. Far from being devoured live with grade envy – similar too many characters in school stories – Milo is a model of caring and good sense. There are lots of allusions to '80s culture: one that amused me equally a hockey follower was give-and-take of pop music. Milo enquires most the song Come On Eileen and is informed – 'in the sticks, it'southward brand new … just in London it'southward an oldie.' It's still played at every University of Iowa field hockey match iii decades after. Unfortunately, Weatherbury's hockey teams get fiddling attention, but in addition to beingness helm of the rugby team, Milo also plays goalkeeper for the hockey team. The position is appropriate given Milo's graphic symbol and background: non glamorous but the terminal line of defence confronting a stronger attacking side. His get-go 'salvage' is the discovery of Beth's backstory, involving the identity of her parents, which she is eager to keep from everyone at school

The pocket-size characters, including Tom the headmaster and Beth's roommate Livvy, are well-drawn in detail. There are villains in the novel, only no monsters, different the bullies that populate too many bad school stories (bad doing duty for both schoolhouse and story). The title seems a trifle misleading though. The students refer to their school as the "Island" because they feel remote from the residual of the earth. (In fact till I checked my Hardy geography, I thought they might be on the IOW or Portland pecker.) Actually, Beth regularly travels by cab or bus to Melchester (i.e. Salisbury), which is her usual domicile. In that location are besides parties in London and on the beach in Cornwall. Only Campbell did well to take hold of the insular life of a boarding school, and the feeling of inhabiting a private world where close personal relationships, school sports, theatricals, and exams, are the master events in the unabridged universe. I think that is one of the reasons that for some of the states our school days remain so deeply in our memories, however many years take passed since nosotros left. I tin can imagine a sequel for The Islanders, but it would exist a different volume. (I greeted Beth's choice of university with both daze and adulation.) The Islanders is not quite in the class with Patrick Gale'south Friendly Fire – my choice for the all-time of contemporary school stories – merely it is very moving and engaging.

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I must say, The Islanders is the most beautiful independently published book I've ever laid my easily on. The author, FJ Campbell, was kind plenty to ship me a copy for review, and unwrapping it was such a treat - gorgeous encompass art, brilliant production value, hats off to FJ and the Matador Publishing team!

The Islanders is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Far From The Madding Crowd, transplanting the story to a British boarding school in the early '90s. It ticked all of my nostalgia boxes, so man

I must say, The Islanders is the nearly beautiful independently published book I've ever laid my hands on. The author, FJ Campbell, was kind plenty to transport me a copy for review, and unwrapping it was such a treat - gorgeous cover art, brilliant production value, hats off to FJ and the Matador Publishing squad!

The Islanders is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Far From The Madding Crowd, transplanting the story to a British boarding school in the early '90s. It ticked all of my nostalgia boxes, so many shared cultural references of my youth! It's dripping with well-researched detail, beautiful landscapes, and the thrill of teenage romance. And I loved the in-text shout out to Stella Gibbons' Cold Comfort Farm - another very underrated classic! Hopefully this book will prompt a few readers to bank check information technology out 😉

I'd depict The Islanders as a British 10 Things I Hate About Yous - in fact, it'd be perfect for the screen! I'd love to see a moving-picture show adaptation! - then if that sounds similar it's upwards your alley, brand sure y'all become yourself a copy pronto.

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I think this is one of those "it'southward not you, it'southward me" books; while I did like it, I didn't completely autumn in beloved with information technology like I did with No Number Nine. And it'southward not because information technology's a bad book, considering it isn't - I simply didn't connect with the characters and their relationships like I did in No Number Nine.

This book is based upon Far From the Madding Crowd, and is prepare in an English boarding school in the 1980s. It follows new girl Beth, who has captured the attention of three boys: sweet Milo,

I remember this is one of those "it'southward not you, it's me" books; while I did similar it, I didn't completely autumn in love with it like I did with No Number Nine. And information technology's non considering it'southward a bad book, because information technology isn't - I simply didn't connect with the characters and their relationships like I did in No Number Nine.

This volume is based upon Far From the Madding Crowd, and is prepare in an English boarding schoolhouse in the 1980s. It follows new girl Beth, who has captured the attention of three boys: sweet Milo, golden boy Edward, and player Zack.

Milo was hands-down my favourite out of the 3, merely his best friend stole the testify for me; sarcastic, witty, and just plain comedy gold.

While I love complicated characters, I didn't really dearest any of these characters (apart from Milo and friend) - Beth was childish and silly and selfish, and while I can usually appreciate such flaws in characters, Beth's good points weren't enough to residuum out the bad.

While this was a slightly disappointing read for me, I'll still eagerly await F. J. Campbell's next work, and I can imagine that it would be a hit with many people.

*I received a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Jan 02, 2019 Rebecca rated it really liked information technology

I received a free re-create of this book in return for an honest review. While at first I felt some of the characters were a bit cliched and I was worried about the plot, I ended upwards truly enjoying the story then couldn't wait to stop the book. Oddly, some of my favorite books are ones where I truly dislike 1 of the characters - and I found this to be the instance with Beth. I found her a bit back & along...merely I guess this is how a "typical" teenager should be.

Similar the other book I've read by F.J

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review. While at outset I felt some of the characters were a bit cliched and I was worried well-nigh the plot, I ended up truly enjoying the story and and then couldn't expect to cease the book. Oddly, some of my favorite books are ones where I truly dislike one of the characters - and I found this to exist the case with Beth. I constitute her a bit back & forth...but I guess this is how a "typical" teenager should be.

Similar the other book I've read by F.J. Campbell, I love how the author really takes you lot back to the time menses of the novel (recent by) by including songs, movies, etc. that I know are from those times and that I call back myself!

The overall book reminded me a bit of the movie "Circumvolve of Friends" with Minnie Commuter and Chris O'Donnell.

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Feb 08, 2019 Hannah Fell rated it it was amazing

I received a free copy of this volume in return for an honest review.

The Islanders is a story set in a remote boarding school in the countryside following the intriguing life of popular Beth equally she struggles to come across what is in front of her all along.

Having e'er been fascinated by stories ready in boarding schools, I was a big fan of Mallory Towers growing up, I read this book in 2 evenings directly. I was gripped past the story from the outset chapter and was desperate to follow its twists and turns

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Islanders is a story gear up in a remote boarding school in the countryside following the intriguing life of pop Beth as she struggles to see what is in front of her all forth.

Having always been fascinated by stories prepare in boarding schools, I was a large fan of Mallory Towers growing up, I read this book in ii evenings straight. I was gripped by the story from the first chapter and was desperate to follow its twists and turns to the conclusion.

I loved No Number ix for its lovable characters and for FJ Campbell's capable and humorous story telling. This book was no different and is a fantastic read - I would definitely recommend it.

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Feb 08, 2019 Richard rated information technology actually liked it

I was happy to receive a gratuitous re-create of this book in render for an honest review, considering I'thou a fan of F.J. Campbell - I liked the author's other book, No Number 9.

The Islanders is supposedly for 'Young Adults' but I'm not young and I loved information technology. It's one of those books that takes you back to your youth and makes a few cultural references to the fourth dimension (late 80s).

Information technology took a few chapters to hook me, just and so I really got stuck in and couldn't put it down.

I like the area it's set - rural Dorset - and

I was happy to receive a free re-create of this book in return for an honest review, because I'm a fan of F.J. Campbell - I liked the author'southward other volume, No Number 9.

The Islanders is supposedly for 'Young Adults' but I'm non young and I loved it. It'due south ane of those books that takes you lot back to your youth and makes a few cultural references to the time (tardily 80s).

Information technology took a few chapters to hook me, but then I really got stuck in and couldn't put it down.

I like the area it'due south set - rural Dorset - and the fact that it takes place at a boarding school is also fun.

The characters were well-written: Milo was my favourite, and his best friend Guy was a hoot.

Read this if y'all want to exist transported back to your teenage years - it'due south a page turner.

...more than

Jan 29, 2019 L.K. rated it it was astonishing

I actually liked this volume. I have a history of enjoying a boarding school book and this is a refreshing accept on this setting. It took me a couple of capacity to get into information technology and then I was hooked. I read it in one sitting and felt that Milo equally a character, was the about likeable and funny too! Some of his advice to Beth did remind me of Mr Knightley in Jane Austen'south 'Emma' and I liked the references to older literature throughout the text. F.J.Campbell is starting to be my favourite author for her I actually liked this book. I have a history of enjoying a boarding school book and this is a refreshing take on this setting. It took me a couple of capacity to become into it then I was hooked. I read it in 1 sitting and felt that Milo equally a character, was the most likeable and funny too! Some of his communication to Beth did remind me of Mr Knightley in Jane Austen'due south 'Emma' and I liked the references to older literature throughout the text. F.J.Campbell is starting to exist my favourite author for her delineation of the 'friend of the female protagonist' graphic symbol. Livvy is definitely as heroic every bit Nadine from 'No Number Nine' and deserves a book of her own. I think this volume would be a hit with teenagers and those harking dorsum to their teenage years. Roll on volume number three! ...more than

May 19, 2020 Hayley rated information technology really liked it

The Islanders is a retelling of Far from the Maddening Crowd set in an English boarding school in the late 1980s. This was probably more of a 3.5 stars for me but overall I enjoyed it. I merely finished reading Far from the Maddening Crowd and was interested to see if there were any retellings. This was the just novel I could find that was. Overall, I think the author did a really good job of updating the story to a modernistic setting. Not an easy thing to do. All of the major elements were there, but The Islanders is a retelling of Far from the Maddening Oversupply set in an English language boarding school in the late 1980s. This was probably more of a 3.5 stars for me but overall I enjoyed it. I just finished reading Far from the Maddening Crowd and was interested to see if there were whatsoever retellings. This was the only novel I could observe that was. Overall, I remember the author did a really expert job of updating the story to a modern setting. Not an easy thing to practice. All of the major elements were there, simply there was however enough originality to go along it interesting. There is likewise some good humor in the story and I laughed out loud a couple times. I felt like the writer understood the spirit/intent of Far from the Maddening Crowd also as just the plot points. The big detractor for me was the writing style. Information technology was very clunky at times with a lot of telling verses showing. It needed some more editing to assist with the writing. That's what made information technology more of a three.5 stars for me. Nonetheless, overall I found information technology a fun read. ...more than

Feb 04, 2019 Victoria rated it actually liked it

I received a free re-create in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed FJ Campbell's new volume 'The Islanders', all the same, I read FJ Campbells previous book and I loved information technology a bit more than, this book fabricated me love FJ Campbells books more. I did find I loved her start book more, although this is still a great read.

I loved the story line - of Beth a boarding school girl who has some rather interesting impacts on three boys sugariness Milo, gilded boy Edward, and player Zac.

This is perfect read for older teens

I received a free copy in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed FJ Campbell's new volume 'The Islanders', however, I read FJ Campbells previous book and I loved information technology a bit more, this volume fabricated me beloved FJ Campbells books more. I did notice I loved her showtime volume more than, although this is still a great read.

I loved the story line - of Beth a boarding school girl who has some rather interesting impacts on three boys sweet Milo, gold boy Edward, and thespian Zac.

This is perfect read for older teens who love a bit of sense of humor, fun, and romance.

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Nov 18, 2018 Vikki McLean rated it really liked it

Loosely based on Hardy'south 'Far from the Madding Crowd' only set mainly in a 1980s boarding school, 'The Islanders' shows the impact of cute Beth on the lives of 3 boys: Milo – steady and lovable, Edward – impressive and intense, and Zac – wild and selfish.

This a slap-up read for the older teens. The dialogue is witty, the humor natural and the characters convincingly fleshed out.

Loosely based on Hardy'south 'Far from the Madding Crowd' but set up mainly in a 1980s boarding schoolhouse, 'The Islanders' shows the touch on of cute Beth on the lives of three boys: Milo – steady and lovable, Edward – impressive and intense, and Zac – wild and selfish.

This a groovy read for the older teens. The dialogue is witty, the sense of humour natural and the characters assuredly fleshed out.

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Jan 13, 2019 Lesley Dowdall rated information technology really liked information technology

I surprised myself by actually enjoying this volume, despite non peculiarly liking Beth, the main graphic symbol. Information technology's not my usual read but there are plenty of stiff characters and a great story line. Mallory Towers with a liberal measure out of sexual tension and so I'm sure it will go down well with older teens/immature adults.

Oct 31, 2021 Emily Jenkins rated information technology it was amazing

Actually enjoyable book set in the fourscore's with a rich bandage of characters who you really connect with and intendance about. Whilst it's a young adult volume information technology'southward a great read for any adult too reminding you of the trials and tribulations of schoolhouse life. Look forward to reading more books past FJ Campbell :)

Apr 11, 2019 Jennifer rated information technology information technology was amazing

I am a huge fan of FJ Campbell's outset volume 'No Number Nine' and was very excited to become my easily on her latest 'The Islanders'. FJ did not disappoint! I was extremely fascinated by FJ's description of a boarding school in the 80'southward. Having gone to a Loftier Schoolhouse in the Midwest of the United States in the same time menstruation, I was amazing how somethings remain the same the globe over. Who hasn't had a friend like Beth, unwisely dated a Zach and should have fallen in beloved with a Milo? FJ cleverly tak I am a huge fan of FJ Campbell's beginning volume 'No Number Nine' and was very excited to get my hands on her latest 'The Islanders'. FJ did not disappoint! I was extremely fascinated by FJ's description of a boarding school in the eighty'southward. Having gone to a High School in the Midwest of the United States in the same time menses, I was amazing how somethings remain the same the earth over. Who hasn't had a friend similar Beth, unwisely dated a Zach and should take fallen in honey with a Milo? FJ cleverly takes the reader back to the 1980's and reminds them of what it was like to be a teenager, to fall in love for the first time and not to mention all the messy bits in-between. Information technology was a fun read and I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend this book for teenagers and adults... there is something at that place for all of united states! ...more than

Dec 24, 2018 Nicky Kumar rated it really liked it

This is a really enjoyable book and is highly recommended. It has a great storyline inspired by Hardy'south Far from the Madding Crowd. Its certain to exist a hit with the Immature Developed readers, who shouldn't exist put off by the boarding schoolhouse setting, because it's the likeable (and some unlikeable) characters in the book that draw yous in and continue the pages turning. I'm really pleased this writer has provided usa with a second novel, can't wait to encounter what's next!

Pretty good

I'm not the target audition for this story Simply it's based in the (late) 80s so I thought I would bask it and I did.

Good writing and interesting characters, some more relatable and likable than others. My favorite was Milo and his friend Guy was cracking fun.

Beth's impact on, and relationships with, the 3 very unlike men was well developed and felt organic. I would recommend and read more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley, the writer and Kobo Writing Life for a copy in exchan

Pretty good

I'k non the target audience for this story But it'south based in the (late) 80s and so I thought I would enjoy it and I did.

Good writing and interesting characters, some more than relatable and likable than others. My favorite was Milo and his friend Guy was not bad fun.

Beth's impact on, and relationships with, the three very different men was well developed and felt organic. I would recommend and read more past this author.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Kobo Writing Life for a copy in exchange for a review.

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Author of 'No Number Nine', 'The Islanders' and 'Enjoy the Silence'. In that location's some bio info almost me on my website www.fjcampbell.net. Writer of 'No Number Nine', 'The Islanders' and 'Enjoy the Silence'. There's some bio info about me on my website www.fjcampbell.internet. ...more

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