A review by patmcmanamon
The Islander: The Autobiography of Tomas O'Crohan by Tomás O'Crohan

4.0

My ancestors lived on Achill Island off County Mayo, and I grabbed this book in Dublin in hopes it would give me an inkling into what their life must have been like. The Blaskets are more remote and unforgiving, but the lifestyle has to be similar. This book about life on Great Blasket in the late 19th and early 20th century is a memoir of a tougher time in a tough environment. The tales of the seals and the fishing and the humor and the stories shared between islanders are memorable. As is the tale of how the women of the island handled the reps of landlords come to collect rents. The island is harsh and beautiful, surrounded by a raging sea. It is lively and primitive. Its people are determined and gentle. Filled with energy and weariness. It’s not a exciting tale, but it is a compelling one. O’Crohan writes that he was glad to be able to record a way of life now past. As I finished the book, I thought, ‘so are we.’