Islanders, by Cathy Thomas, is a wonderful short story collection. It’s stories are told across a 20 year period, beginning in 2000. Nearly all the stories are set in Guernsey, and for the few set elsewhere we are still following the lives of the inhabitants of the island. One of the things that makes these stories so special is that the same characters are woven throughout them. Though each story is distinct, we learn so much about different cast of characters as the years go by. This is a really special book. There are twelve stories in total in Islanders, all of which are as good as each other. The way that Thomas tells the islanders’ stories is so beautiful, they feel so alive on the page. She writes with such authenticity, these characters feel so very real, so human. Their lives are messy, complicated, full of joys and sorrows. We are witness to many different types of relationship, that between friends, siblings, parents and children and lovers. All of this together makes for such a rich read. I loved finding out more about the characters as the stories developed. In some cases we got to see them several times, like siblings Paul & Josie whose stories bookend Islanders, and Becky and Luc who each pop up several times. Whilst with others, such as Goody and Jen we only really meet once properly and yet their stories are just as good. Guernsey is as much as a character as it is the setting in Islanders. Thomas’ writing is so vivid you feel as though you are there with the characters. This is an easy read, you become so easily absorbed into the stories, and yet it covers some heavy topics. There are stories containing drug and alcohol misuse, alcoholism, suicide, crippling loneliness, physical violence and feelings of repressed sexuality. Thomas handles these issues with great care and you come to really feel for the characters, which is especially impressive given these are short stories. Overall an excellent read which I’d throughly recommend. With thanks to Netgally and Virago & Little, Brown Books for the advanced copy in return for my honest review.

Islanders with its alluring cover (which is the thing about this book that initially caught my eye) is a collection of short stories all set on the island of Guernsey. The reader is taken on a trip spanning twenty years. Each story is strong and engaging and features a group of intertwined people. Twelve characters, including Kat, Claire, Neil and Eva, share their thoughts, friendships, desires or regrets. Funny, authentic and gritty. I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Little, Brown Book Group UK, Virago via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.