Off-Island by Marlene Hauser #Review #Contemporary #BlogTour

Title: Off-Island

Author: Marlene Hauser

Release Date: 28^th September 2018

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36653200-off-island

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Off-Island-Marlene-Hauser/dp/1789014492

My Review:

This isn’t an easy read as it deals with some emotive issues. Krista has had lots of support through her life, though she was devastated by the untimely death of her father.It has surprising revelations and changing family dynamics as Krista seeks solutions on her own, rejecting any offers of support from those who care for her. This is a story of taking responsibility for yourself, making your own decisions and acknowledging that sometimes you’ll make mistakes and need to forgive yourself and others.

The story deals with the emotional trauma of young adult pregnancy and abortion, so if these are triggers for you, you have been forewarned. This is a story of appreciating what you had only after you lose it, growing, maturing and moving on to your future.

I requested and was given a copy of this novel without obligation and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Summary:

Krista Bourne has always been surrounded by the strength, love and wealth of her family and their homes in New York City and Martha’s Vineyard. She has never had to think for herself. Living with boyfriend Michael and her elderly grandfather, she can also summon up the comforting ghosts of her beloved father and grandmother. In vivid dreams she flies with her pilot father, and when awake remembers idyllic childhood holidays spent with her bohemian grandmother.

When Krista impulsively walks out on her career as a professional dancer, it is the beginning of a new chapter in her life. She feels unsettled and excited by the sense of imminent change around her.

This feeling turns to panic, then fear when she realises that she is pregnant and is uncertain whether or not she wants to keep the baby, bringing her and Michael to a crossroads in their relationship. Adamant that she alone must deal with the situation, Krista rejects all offers of support from him, isolating her at a time when she most needs help.

Krista’s journey and emotional upheaval take her back to her summer home on Martha’s Vineyard, where she is surprised to find out that she does not know her family history quite as well as she imagined.

Author Information

Marlene Hauser is a professional writer based in Oxford, UK, where she lives with her husband and teenage son. She served as editor of the Writer’s New York City Source Book and originated the television film Under the Influence, going on to serve as Associate Producer and Technical Consultant. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and has received numerous awards, including a residency at the Millay Arts Colony in Upstate New York.

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