I'll be honest, I put off reading this book for a long time as, even though the reviews were good, I read the blurb and wasn't quite sure why I'd picked it - it's not my usual kind of read. When I added this into my "reading calendar" that I'm doing at the moment (it's a whole spreadsheet kind of moment), I kept looking at it and thinking about moving it back in favour of other, more exciting sounding books. Even when I picked it up and read the first few pages, I thought I'd made a mistake.

Then suddenly, I was enthralled.

This is a historic fiction set around World War II, a romance but also a dual storyline with the man escaping from a German prisoner of war camp. I had visions of it being the type of books I imagine grandmas reading - although I know that sounds horribly stereotypical!

I'll admit, this book was eye opening in that it turns out that, despite learning about World War II at school, I know very little about it - aside from what was experienced on mainland UK and the political background to it. The journey that Fred takes was a harrowing tale, and I can imagine it was barely the worst of them. There was something about the way this was told that made me sit up and pay attention. The few stories I'd heard from and about my great grandparents during the war suddenly hit home. Now I've realised the gap in my knowledge, I do intend to read more historical fiction from this era to learn more about something that is so barely removed from my timeline.

But what really shone for me wasn't necessarily the characters or the storyline, but the island of St Kilda. We know from early on that at some point the island is to be abandoned, and it shadows every description of it - beautiful, hazy, almost melancholic. Despite other pieces of the storyline being sad, it was the loss of the islanders' home that hit me the hardest and lingers on as a memory of this book.

I really didn't expect to be giving this 5 stars when I started it. It's not a thriller or a fantasy. It's more slow paced and doesn't have twists, but it's beautifully written and eye opening. Definitely a recommendation from me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The melancholy of the narration and the description of life on St Kilda were compelling. I knew nothing about the subject matter when I started the book and this is what made me request a copy in first place. I wasn't disappointed - it is obvious the author did a thorough research and depicted life on St Kilda with realness.

The story was a little slow in parts and I found Frank's story less captivating than Chrissie's - hence my 3-star rating.

Thank you to the editor and Netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

Wow… what a beautifully written book.

The descriptions of St Kilda are nothing short of amazing. This is a stunning novel with great characters.
This book will stay with me for a long time

This is my second book by this author and I loved this one just as much as her most recent release. It is an enthralling tale from start to finish and i highly reccomend.

Easily my favourite book this year! Two stories linked by this remote island. Beautifully written with excellent narration. I knew nothing about the history of St Kilda and found it fascinating, and rather sad, that the people with the traditions they had built up over many, many years were not treated better. The islanders had such a harsh life, but their community was what allowed them to survive for so long. Thank you to Elisabeth Gifford, Net Galley and Atlantic Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A beautifully written story that conjures up the beauty and hardship of living on a remote Scottish island.

Split between two main timelines, 1927 and 1940. We travel back and forth with the two main characters Fred and Chrissie and their romance, separation, the second World War and the Islanders leaving their home of St Kilda for good.

A story of love, loss and how our fondest memories can help us through the worse situations.

If you are a fan of Historical novel set around World War II then pick this as your next read.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for a free copy in return for am unbiased review.

Just finished a lovely book about the last inhabitants of St Kilda. It is a novel based on truth about life on St Kilda, the final evacuation and the war. A great story and something else learned!
The Lost Lights of St Kilda by Elisabeth Gifford.
Chrissie Ghillies was one of the last people to leave St Kilda but she never forgot her life there or Fred Lawson, the love of her life. Fred was a prisoner of war and after a desperate escape he meets up with Archie, his one time friend. This is a beautiful historical love story.

Couldn't get into this one, I found it very hard to move on from Chapter one and eventually gave up. I'm sure it would be someone's cup of tea, but sadly not mine.

A beautifully written love story with two wonderful main characters. With rich descriptions of the island of St. Kilda and the harshness of living there I felt immersed in the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

The Lost Lights of St Kilda by Elisabeth Gifford
Rating 4.8/5
A beautifully, haunting novel set on St Kilda. A bleak, unforgiving but awesome landscape where the inhabitants eke out a living which barely keeps them from starving, cold and clothed. A community driven by the Church and their strong, strict beliefs. The Sabbath affects all aspects of their lives and families: all encompassing.
Then Fred is one of a group of young men sent to the island as part of his university course. He finds the islanders strange but as part of his generous nature helps out the minister’s wife. During his time on St Kilda he gets to know and love a young islander, the feisty Chrissie Gillies.
It is the thoughts and memories of this time, many years ago on St Kilda, that keeps Fred going during his gruelling, horrific years as a Prisoner of War. What has become of young Chrissie Gillies.
Elisabeth Gifford has skilfully captured the heart and souls of her characters and the evacuation of St Kilda. Heart warming, a love story to lift the spirits. A must read.
Thank you to Elisabeth Gifford, Atlantic Books Ltd and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this well crafted novel. I have written an honest and unbiased review.

A really immersive, well-research sweeping historical romance. A little slow in places but worth persevering

Good read interesting and well written. I enjoyed the different characters
Would recommend to any historical fiction fans.

Love and heartbreak, such sad and haunting tale. Beautifully written with atmospheric descriptions, a joy to read even in it's intensity.
4.5 Stars

A truly beautiful read set in isolated St Kilda
I haven’t read a story that moved me so much in long time. The description of the last community is woven with love and sadness . A haunting image of loss and a desperate hope to be reunited.
I just kept reading and reading.

What an excellent book. This moody, evocative and lyrical narrative follows Fred and Chrissie, who meet on the island of St Kilda in the 1920s or 30s and try to find their way back to each other through WWII. It was touching and the imagery was fantastic. I could see myself on St Kilda with the characters, sharp wind and seabirds flying high above.

I rarely give 5 stars, but there's nothing I would change about this book. It was wonderful. I honestly have no idea why there isn't more chat about this book. Highly recommended.

What an evocative book! Whilst it is really a love story, the main character has to be the island of St Kilda itself. The humble lives of the islanders are described in such a way that almost takes you there. Highly recommended

I really loved the sound of this book, the description looked great but the book didn't grip me sadly.

It was slow, the two time lines bulky and I found it hard to follow, but I think that's because I wasn't very interested in it.

Unfortunately I was disappointed reading this book. I really wanted to enjoy it, the concept is usually one I do enjoy. Onthis occasion it just wasn’t for me.

This is a beautiful story told over two time periods. It flows well between the two and also between the places. For me the beauty of this was the descriptions of St Kilda, the landscape, the beauty, the simplicity of life, the people. It left me wanting to know more and I now have a real interest to read as much as I can about St Kilda.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.