A review by bibliolinde
Islands of Mercy by Rose Tremain

2.0

Islands of Mercy is a story of vibrant locations and colourful characters. Set in 1860s Bath and Borneo, with some snippets of London, Paris, and Dublin, Rose Tremain captures the spirit of the times with ease. I enjoyed the character development of Jane and the heartfelt sections about motherhood, art, and love. The other plot, though, in Borneo, despite its interesting look into colonial and naturalists’ endeavours, was a little less exciting to me. Perhaps this would have worked better as more of a subplot, or in a tv-series, as it often felt like a distraction from the main plot, left behind on an unnecessary cliffhanger. The end of the novel is wonderfully hopeful and comforting, though it only comes after a rather late climax (which makes the middle of the novel a little stagnant). All in all, however, a pleasant summer read with an engaging story neatly tied up in the end. (3.5)

Also will say that Tremain manages to keep the representation of men quite balanced, despite the heavy dose of Dr Valentine Ross, who is selfish and mean.

[TWs: miscarriage, illness, some violence]