The story is about a family whose daughter vanishes from right outside their gate. It is heart wrenching witnessing how each family member is eaten up with the trauma of losing a daughter/sister and the guilt of 'what if's'. The mums grief is tangible, she is a broken woman. Your heart will break for her.

If you are ex pat Irish, part Irish, past generation Irish or even 0.01% Irish, you will love the setting of this story. You'll love the Irish names, the towns, the dialogue, the Island and the sense of place.

My chest physically hurt while reading this book, I could not put it down. If you love an emotional read, that is sure to bring you close to tears, then this is one for your 'To Read' list! I am keen to see what other books this author has written now.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Rosie and Hugh suffer just about the worst thing that could ever happen to any couple - a child going missing, Saoirse is 17 when she disappears, leaving a devastated family trying to cope with her loss in differing ways. As the years pass the couple’s relationship begins to break down, with Rosie convinced that she is still alive and Hugh trying to support her but falling apart himself.

I can’t imagine how any family could cope in this situation but Ann Griffin writes so movingly about such a difficult subject, Rosie can’t move on, but also can’t cope with her feelings or communicate with Hugh about them. A woman falling apart, the husband feeling so helpless but also struggling to cope with his own grief. There are some very moving moments, but also some humour, particularly when Rose goes back to the island where she was born, and where she can still feel close to Saoirse. I loved the descriptions of the island and close community, the support that Rosie received when she went back there, and her relationship with Iggy. I did feel that the pace was a bit too slow at times, and while I can’t say I enjoyed the book, it was one I had to finish.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I absolutely adored this book. Beautiful writing, gorgeous vivid settings and very real characters. The story is engrossing but it's the people in it that keep you reading. Even background characters are so well drawn. Everyone has quirks and flaws and even Rosie often reacts in ways that were unwise, but still understandable. I was so enthralled by this book that it was hard to move on to another one. The people and place stay with the reader a long while. I'll be making everyone I know read it.

Some books you read, some you consume, and some consume you. I devoured Anne Griffin’s 3rd novel. I loved [book:When All Is Said|39863464] and, although I didn’t enjoy [book:Listening Still|57693425] so much, I had been looking forward to more from her.

Rosie and her family have suffered what is, for most of us thankfully, an unimaginable loss. She and her husband grow apart and agree that she should return to the island she is from and join her father in running the ferry to the mainland. It’s the story of a very painful personal journey, relieved by the warmth of friendships and typical Irish humour. A guide to pronunciation would have been helpful rather than resorting to Google which isn’t entirely reliable. I think I now know how to pronounce Saoirse (Seershu), Rosie’s daughter’s name, and Aoibhneas (Eevnass), the name of the ferry, which I believe means something like joyful news. Like Scots Gaelic, Irish Gaelic is not intuitive when it comes to pronunciation! Fionnuala would have been a great help!

I read this in a couple of days. I couldn’t put it down and can’t recommend it highly enough.

With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a review copy.

I have loved Anne Griffin's previous two books and when I was approved this advanced digital copy I was truly delighted and immediately jumped into the story. Anne has a beautiful way with words that as a reader I felt I was there with Rosie on the island. The glimpse into what families go through when somebody they love goes missing longterm and the torment. At times I was close to tears. Such a moving way to tell a story and a book I am so glad I got to experience.

Beautifully written with some wonderful characters but absolutely heart breaking. I've read both of Anne Griffin's previous books and absolutely loved them and this is full of the same charm, eloquence and truly evocative language. An incredibly talented author.

Tell me if anyone else does this.... I loved Anne Griffin's previous novel When All Is Said, one of my favourite ever novels. I love it so much I haven't read it again for fear that I won't love it as much. I have also been fearful of trying her other novels for fear my love for her wouldn't be as powerful as it was when I read WAIS.

However fear not, a brilliant start to 2023 continues with this one. In The Island of Longing, a child has gone missing and her mother Rosie has been looking for her for eight years. Whilst life goes on, Rosie cannot move on until she knows the truth of what happened all those years ago....She returns to life on the Island where she grew up to look after her father but can she really move on without knowing.

This is my second Anne Griffin novel and the second time I have finished the book in tears. I don't really want to say much more than that.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Im not new to Anne Griffin, I start her books fully expecting to be a bit teary by the end.
This book managed that, I really felt for the family left behind in limbo when a daughter goes missing,
Also though, I was made to feel homesick for a place, and community I've never been to.
Such warm relatable characters.
I'm a little sad it finished.