I have read several of Boyle's works including his novels and short stories and I always find his prose and descriptions exquisite. Some of his novels are better than others and San Miguel is a good one. It tells the story of two different families who go to live on San Miguel Island off the coast of California to raise sheep and live a harsh existence amid the wind, desolation, and storms that come in from the Pacific. The first family, the Waters, come to the island in 1888 on the pretense that the ocean air will be good for Mrs. Waters, Marantha, who is suffering from Consumption (Tuberculosis). They bring along their daughter, Edith, who along with Marantha struggle to exist in the harsh environment. The last part of the novel tells the story of the Lesters who arrive on the island in the 1930s. The Lesters actually enjoy the island life and are able to thrive there up until the middle of WWII. San Miguel Island is an actual place and the families Boyle describes were actual people. The Lesters actually became noted when the newspapers and Life magazine did articles on their life on the island. Elise Lester, home schools her two daughters there and along with Herbert, is able to maintain a viable family life.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story even though there were a lot of periods of boredom and despair on the island. Boyle has a keen way of telling a story using great descriptions and fleshing out his characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story even though there were a lot of periods of boredom and despair on the island. Boyle has a keen way of telling a story using great descriptions and fleshing out his characters.
