Helpful Score: 5
Castaways was totally enjoyable reading to me. The story revolves around 8 close friends and quickly you feel that you know all eight of them. It was suspenseful, especially in the beginning where there is sad news. The rest of the book is flashbacks to the beginning, which was wonderfully unique. Due to the sad scene, six of the characters all grew into the person who they either really are or were meant to be, by the ending. I'm going to look for the other books by this author now!
Helpful Score: 4
In the midst of tragedy, this book shows how people cope with it. It's a page turner from the word go. I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to read her next one!
Helpful Score: 4
Hilderbrand has written a wonderful light mystery in the voices of 6 of the 8 main adult characters. Easy to track despite each "chapter" being voiced by a different person and bouncing back and forth in time. Serious subject matter involves affairs between members of this group of 4 married couples, a suspected teacher/student affair, prescription drug and alcohol abuse, and the care of orphaned children. I will definitely look for more of Hilderbrand's island novels!
Helpful Score: 4
I liked this book. The secret lives of these friends was interesting and entertaining. Good beach read.
Helpful Score: 4
Quite possibly (at least in my opinion) the best of all of her books. I absolutely LOVED it!
Helpful Score: 3
This was an ok read...I like some of the other Elin books a little better as I found this to be a slow read.
Love Elin's books!!! This one I could not put down!!!
Helpful Score: 2
The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand reads like a modern day Big Chill set on Nantucket. The novel follows the unraveling lives of six friends after one couple in the group, Greg and Tess, drown. The friends: Andrea, the Chef, Phoebe, Addison, Delilah, and Jeffrey individually cope with the couple's deaths as each has a secret from the rest of the group.The chapters are narrated by alternating members of the ensemble cast. This narrative style is fairly confusing in the beginning of the novel, but is ultimately richly rewarding as the reader gains fresh insights into each character.
The individual story lines ranged from the believable to the incredulous (at least in this reader's opinion). Without giving away spoilers there were passages in the novel that were suitable fodder for tabloids. Other parts of the book were highly engrossing and richly crafted. For example, the passage dealing with Reed's (the twin brother of Phoebe) actions on 9/11 read like an eyewitness account of that tragic day.
Overall, The Castaways is an enjoyable, but atypical summer novel.
Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (July 7, 2009)
Review Copy Received Through Giveaway Sponsored by the Publisher.
The individual story lines ranged from the believable to the incredulous (at least in this reader's opinion). Without giving away spoilers there were passages in the novel that were suitable fodder for tabloids. Other parts of the book were highly engrossing and richly crafted. For example, the passage dealing with Reed's (the twin brother of Phoebe) actions on 9/11 read like an eyewitness account of that tragic day.
Overall, The Castaways is an enjoyable, but atypical summer novel.
Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (July 7, 2009)
Review Copy Received Through Giveaway Sponsored by the Publisher.
Helpful Score: 1
Oh wow! This book is fantastic! The plot continually twists and turns and keeps you guessing. The characters are varied and each one is captivating on many different levels. This is the best thing I've read in a long time. One of those stories I didn't want to end.
Helpful Score: 1
I really did not enjoy this book. It was about 4 couples who are long time friends. The premise was interesting - what happens to a group of friends when two of them die in an unexpected accident. Unfortunately, the book became more about the intertwining relationship - who had dated who, who had contemplated affairs with who, who had non-frienship-based feelings for who. The book became about these underlying issues not the aftermath of the crisis itself.
Helpful Score: 1
Well, this was definitely better than Barefoot. I think the character development was much better, and I was much more interested in the plot. Though, I thought the ending was a bit of a let-down. That was disappointing. But, I enjoyed the way the story was written - changing back and forth between narrators.
I do feel like the lifestyle on the East coast that is represented in the novel is a bit cliche. It was much worse in Barefoot, but still, all of this picnic, sailing, seafood, Nantucket cottage business is a bit unoriginal. But, despite all of that, I liked it and would read more of her in the future.
I do feel like the lifestyle on the East coast that is represented in the novel is a bit cliche. It was much worse in Barefoot, but still, all of this picnic, sailing, seafood, Nantucket cottage business is a bit unoriginal. But, despite all of that, I liked it and would read more of her in the future.
Helpful Score: 1
This is my third Hilderbrand book I've read, and every one seems to get better.
This was soooooo good! So many twists and turns concerning each character - and every new twist very believeable - nothing false about any of the book.
Characters all become real people to me and I hated to see the book end.
But, ready for the next one now.
This was soooooo good! So many twists and turns concerning each character - and every new twist very believeable - nothing false about any of the book.
Characters all become real people to me and I hated to see the book end.
But, ready for the next one now.
Helpful Score: 1
When Greg and Tess decide to go on a sailing trip on their anniversary, the other couples are happy for them. But the outing ends in tragedy with Greg and Tess dead, and the remainder of the group is devastated. When the tox screen shows Tess was using and a hunk of her hair is pulled out, they speculate. What happened out on that boat?
The Castaways is an engaging read that draws you into the lives of the four couples. What happened in the past and how it reflects on the present, their triumphs and tragedies, and how friendship can be closely knit like an afghan or snapped in an instant like a thin string. A perfect beach read this summer!
The Castaways is an engaging read that draws you into the lives of the four couples. What happened in the past and how it reflects on the present, their triumphs and tragedies, and how friendship can be closely knit like an afghan or snapped in an instant like a thin string. A perfect beach read this summer!
Helpful Score: 1
I liked the narrator for this audiobook, but 13 hours is a long listen - this book could've been shortened with less descriptions of food / meals and trips (and there were a lot). There was also too many characters (4 couples / 8 people) which made it hard to keep them straight. As usual with Elin books, there are affairs and unnecessary drama, but I was interested to learn the fate of Greg and Tess.
This was a very quick read. The characters were interesting and each one was flawed in his or her own way, with the exception of the Chief, who just seemed too good to be true.
Good Book...pulls at the heart strings and forces you to examine your own relationships!
I want to be in the Castaway group. Elin hit another home run.
This one gets three and a half stars as a summer read that runs just a bit too long, like a group vacation where you're tired of the company a day or two before time to go home.
That in fact is one of the sequences in this tale of four couples, each brought by circumstance or quirk to Nantucket Island, where they form a tight-knit group -- socializing together, often vacationing together, trading off child care, party planning, and bed partners in more or less random fashion.
Then a sudden tragedy leaves an unmendable breach in the group, and layers upon layers of deception and betrayal begin to unfold.
Hildebrand juggles six main voices in the tale, which eventually gets so tangled that it seems the threads can never be pulled out again. The ultimate resolution, when it comes, is about 50 pages too late, as readers will have already gotten there, eaten the hors d'oeuvres, had too many martinis, and gotten tired of waiting for the rest of the meal to arrive.
(It's also about the fifth book I've read in which the author does not have a firm grasp of the differences between rifles and shotguns and the characteristics of their respective cartridge loads.)
However, if you're looking for a read to keep you entertained over a long lazy weekend, you could do worse.
That in fact is one of the sequences in this tale of four couples, each brought by circumstance or quirk to Nantucket Island, where they form a tight-knit group -- socializing together, often vacationing together, trading off child care, party planning, and bed partners in more or less random fashion.
Then a sudden tragedy leaves an unmendable breach in the group, and layers upon layers of deception and betrayal begin to unfold.
Hildebrand juggles six main voices in the tale, which eventually gets so tangled that it seems the threads can never be pulled out again. The ultimate resolution, when it comes, is about 50 pages too late, as readers will have already gotten there, eaten the hors d'oeuvres, had too many martinis, and gotten tired of waiting for the rest of the meal to arrive.
(It's also about the fifth book I've read in which the author does not have a firm grasp of the differences between rifles and shotguns and the characteristics of their respective cartridge loads.)
However, if you're looking for a read to keep you entertained over a long lazy weekend, you could do worse.
I have read several of this authors books. This is the first book I found tedious to read. A who's who page would have helped keep up with the characters.
I typically read nonfiction, history or historical fiction...but I was going thru some heavy stuff in my life and needed something lighter to get my mind somewhere else. A friend had given me this book and it was just sitting there so I picked it up and got hooked immediately. Even though it's about a sad subject it was fiction and I thought it was light and easy summertime reading. I surprised myself as I thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend it.
This is my first book by this author. I was not sure what to expect. Although it wasn't very action packed or exciting, I found myself drawn to the characters and wanting to know what they were doing next. I enjoyed it and especially enjoyed the way she told the story from 6 different peoples points of view.
Great book! The author captures the characters and the changes in their lives well.
A meaty and delicious tale about four couples and their secrets and lies on Nantucket. Very good.
This is a quick, light read - great for summer vacations.
By far, this is the best of the Hilderbrand books. There have been a few that weren't even worth the paper on which they were written -- but I really enjoyed this one.
Engaging plot, good character development -- just a good read.
Engaging plot, good character development -- just a good read.
Keept me interested. Couldn't wait to get back to it.
First book of hers that I read and LOVED it! I have found a new author and will pick up the rest of her books!!!
On the picturesque island of Nantucket - just off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts - rumors always tend to flow fast and furious. In such a close-knit, yet isolated community, everybody soon gets to know everyone else's business. For eight best friends - the Kapenashes, the MacAvoys, the Drakes, and the Wheelers - four prominent couples within their tiny community; secrets usually don't stay secret for very long. And even the most innocuous of meetings can raise suspicions.
When the charming and talented music teacher, Greg MacAvoy, spends a rainy Sunday night with a beautiful high school senior named April Peck - the curiosity and rumors begin. Although Greg loves his wife Tess deeply, and has been happily married to her for over a decade; he just can't seem to shake the speculative whispers of: 'What happened between Greg MacAvoy and April Peck?' The community rumor mill begins churning, and speculation is sent swarming around the island like tourists on Memorial Day.
With all the rumors floating around, the stress is beginning to show in the MacAvoy marriage. The troubled couple has begun experiencing an incredible amount of strain within their relationship - and all that strain has subsequently taken an enormous toll on Tess - who is dealing with her own issues. She is torn between her love for her husband and keeping a secret of her own.
With their twelfth wedding anniversary fast approaching, the MacAvoys decide to celebrate by spending some quality time on their sailboat. So the couple sets out on their anniversary trip to Martha's Vineyard, hoping to rekindle the romance in their marriage - confident that the roughest waters are behind them. Yet, all of the MacAvoys' dreams of a brighter future are soon dimmed by an inexplicable tragedy.
When the heartbreaking news eventually reaches the shores of Nantucket, the entire community is rocked to its very foundations. Greg and Tess have mysteriously drowned in a boating accident, leaving behind their two small children. Their closest friends - the Kapenashes, the Drakes, and the Wheelers - are absolutely devastated by the sudden loss of the MacAvoys.
For as long as anyone can remember, the four couples have done everything together. They have vacationed and celebrated together; confided in and depended on each other. However, tragedy tends to reveal both the best traits and the worst traits in people. Losing Greg and Tess so unexpectedly has reawakened long-simmering conflicts and brings deeply-buried emotions bubbling to the surface. The six friends, still reeling from their feelings of grief and denial, set out to answer the ultimate question: 'What happened to Greg and Tess MacAvoy?'
A page-turning story of passion and suspense, The Castaways: A Novel is a poignant exploration of the boundaries of friendship and forgiveness. This is an extraordinary portrayal of love, loss and acceptance - playing out against the evocative backdrop of the summertime perfection of life spent on Nantucket. A masterful story which highlights so much of what makes Elin Hilderbrand a hallmark best-selling author.
I must say that I absolutely loved this book. In my opinion, this was such a well-written story; it was filled with a certain amount of suspense and mystery, as well as believable characters and a thoughtful, well-developed plot. This was just the type of story that I usually enjoy reading, and I will definitely be putting Ms. Hilderbrand's name at the top of my wish list. I give this book an A+!
When the charming and talented music teacher, Greg MacAvoy, spends a rainy Sunday night with a beautiful high school senior named April Peck - the curiosity and rumors begin. Although Greg loves his wife Tess deeply, and has been happily married to her for over a decade; he just can't seem to shake the speculative whispers of: 'What happened between Greg MacAvoy and April Peck?' The community rumor mill begins churning, and speculation is sent swarming around the island like tourists on Memorial Day.
With all the rumors floating around, the stress is beginning to show in the MacAvoy marriage. The troubled couple has begun experiencing an incredible amount of strain within their relationship - and all that strain has subsequently taken an enormous toll on Tess - who is dealing with her own issues. She is torn between her love for her husband and keeping a secret of her own.
With their twelfth wedding anniversary fast approaching, the MacAvoys decide to celebrate by spending some quality time on their sailboat. So the couple sets out on their anniversary trip to Martha's Vineyard, hoping to rekindle the romance in their marriage - confident that the roughest waters are behind them. Yet, all of the MacAvoys' dreams of a brighter future are soon dimmed by an inexplicable tragedy.
When the heartbreaking news eventually reaches the shores of Nantucket, the entire community is rocked to its very foundations. Greg and Tess have mysteriously drowned in a boating accident, leaving behind their two small children. Their closest friends - the Kapenashes, the Drakes, and the Wheelers - are absolutely devastated by the sudden loss of the MacAvoys.
For as long as anyone can remember, the four couples have done everything together. They have vacationed and celebrated together; confided in and depended on each other. However, tragedy tends to reveal both the best traits and the worst traits in people. Losing Greg and Tess so unexpectedly has reawakened long-simmering conflicts and brings deeply-buried emotions bubbling to the surface. The six friends, still reeling from their feelings of grief and denial, set out to answer the ultimate question: 'What happened to Greg and Tess MacAvoy?'
A page-turning story of passion and suspense, The Castaways: A Novel is a poignant exploration of the boundaries of friendship and forgiveness. This is an extraordinary portrayal of love, loss and acceptance - playing out against the evocative backdrop of the summertime perfection of life spent on Nantucket. A masterful story which highlights so much of what makes Elin Hilderbrand a hallmark best-selling author.
I must say that I absolutely loved this book. In my opinion, this was such a well-written story; it was filled with a certain amount of suspense and mystery, as well as believable characters and a thoughtful, well-developed plot. This was just the type of story that I usually enjoy reading, and I will definitely be putting Ms. Hilderbrand's name at the top of my wish list. I give this book an A+!
