3 out of 4 stars
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Notes from a Very Small Island by Anthony Stancomb is a memoir-style non-fiction book. It is a sequel to the author’s book about moving with his wife to Vis, a remote island off the coast of Croatia. They left their jobs and adult children in England two years earlier for a slower-paced lifestyle. Stancomb’s wife Ivana is of Croatian descent, although she was raised in Argentina.
The book focuses on the middle-aged man’s observations about Croatian culture and living on a remote island. Historical and political information is related by the locals. There is also speculation about what the future will hold since Croatia wants to join the European Union (EU). The author narrates in the first person, but is never mentioned by name. He becomes friends with Dario, a radio broadcaster, and Dario’s broadcasts are often mentioned as a way of showcasing the island’s lifestyle and Croatian politics.
The story switches between the present and two years prior when they first moved to the island. The transition between time periods is sometimes abrupt and I would become confused about whether certain passages were flashbacks or present day. After a while, the time period settles into the present.
The author’s observations provide a vivid picture of life on Vis. It’s always interesting to read about a place, from a newcomer’s perspective. Through lively discussions with various townspeople, there is fascinating information provided about Croatia’s history, culture, and political changes. The author continually receives a casual course in history and culture from Zoran, the owner of a local bar. Also, an old-timer, Marinko, knows everything about every family on the island and is a treasure trove of historical facts.
There are many humorous, insightful comments about the island’s colorful townspeople and culture. There is an interesting, offbeat discussion about the mood-changing winds and impact of the wind’s direction on behavior. No one goes to work if they have the slightest illness or injury, as if a light cold might turn into pneumonia. If someone has even a minor ailment, they are monitored closely and then diagnosed with something major, such as cancer, if the symptoms don’t disappear after a week. The sections about the couple’s housekeeper Karmela are hilarious. She is an eccentric person who appears to rule the roost with her overbearing manner. Karmela aggressively unites with Ivana on every issue and the author’s home life is often a losing battle with the two women against him.
The pacing is a bit uneven. Some parts of the story move along quickly while other passages about Croatian history and the political climate are long-winded. It would have been helpful if the author had included a timeline of Croatia’s major historical events and political changes as the references have no context as to time period. It is not like references to the U.S. Civil War or WWII where most people are familiar with the time frame being discussed. The book is jam-packed with interesting tidbits about the local culture, although I found my mind wandering at times. I think the book would have consistently kept my interest with a more cohesive feel. The sections on his home life, such as his friends and adult children’s visits, often splinter the story off on tangents.
The author has a smooth, chatty writing style. However, an extra round of good editing was needed here. There are numerous errors, including words without a space in between, incorrect words which I assume are typos, and missing words.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It is a witty and informative story about a remote island most people have never even heard of. Readers who enjoy books about other cultures and acclimating to life in another country will find much to like here. While the story is not always cohesive, it is still a worthwhile read. Besides, the author used one of my favorite, underused words, “inanely,” in an even more perfect phrase, “I grinned inanely around at everyone.” That put an inane smile on my face while reading.
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Notes from a Very Small island
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