Customer Reviews

Stranded (Unabridged)

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I loved it! I'm a massive fan of staying-alive-in-horrendous-adverse-circumstances tales, anyway, but I particularly enjoyed this because it showed how awful it must REALLY be to be stranded on a desert island with nothing; it wasn't romanticised, and, happily, there was no profound stuff going on. This was my favourite bit of the book.

I really liked how the other story was intertwined with Esther's (I am trying not to give ANYTHING away!); it's a literary device I find very effective. I didn't guess how the two were connected until I was told; I had a few theories but none were right! I did, alas, guess at part of the mystery, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of it all; even then, though, I didn't guess the explanations for it, and more happened right at the end that I hadn't expected at all.

I read this over a period of 24 hours - it's a nice big thick book, so you can tell that ...... yes, "I couldn't put it down" !

Esther Lomax is newly divorced. She decides now is the time for a bit of adventure and books a trip to Malaysia, which includes a stay on a group of paradise islands. Alongside Esther we read about another lady called Cathy, and hear her story told in the past. I will say no more about that element of the story, but it keeps you guessing as to the possible connection between the two characters. Whilst on her trip, Esther and some of the other guests sign up for an `unofficial' boat trip organised by one of the staff at the resort. He leaves them on a paradise beach and pops back for a lighter to light the barbecue. He never returns.

I really liked how the `stranded on a desert island' aspect was dealt with. It wasn't romanticised - people were hungry, thirsty, ill, tearful, optimistic, pessimistic and everything in between trying to come to terms with their situation. Their circumstances seemed to be handled realistically and their theories as to why they were stranded seemed viable. They certainly matched with my own expectations and opinions. However as they stayed there longer, these theories no longer held water and factions formed in the group as some became more resigned than others to their plight. We learn a bit more about the other people on the island, but we do not get soul-searching, clichéd back-stories. This is a suspense book and you have no more idea how the book will pan out, than the fictional characters within its pages.

Looking back over what I read, now I know the outcome I realise how clever Ms Barr was in her clues and signposts. I did not guess the final outcome, although I had plenty of theories. If I was to be picky (and I will be), there were aspects in the conclusion that I found a tad too far-fetched and thought the ending got slightly rushed. That aside I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I couldn't wait to pick it up in the evening, and at the same time I didn't want to put it down, which says a lot about the calibre of the story and its writing. It is not a heavy or deep read, in fact it is a very easy read, plus it is also engaging and gripping, as well as a good mystery. It would certainly make a good beach read, but I don't recommend taking it on a boat day trip as you will be reluctant to get off the boat!

Excellent story and one that has kept me engrossed and made me want to finish it - which I did in 3 readings !
The story concerns Esther who is newly divorced and wanting to prove that she can cope to show her ex-husband and also prove to herself that she can manage as a single woman . She also leaves her 10 year old daughter Daisy , in her ex-husbands care, and takes herself off on a backpacking type of holiday to Malaysia - but one with a little more luxury than getting on a boat and roughing it in Asia. Spending the first few days in luxury in a spa in Kuala Lumpur, and then in a 'paradise' beach resort where she meets an assortment of other fellow guests, some of whom are involved later in the novel and all of whom are well described characterisations.
The story is also interspersed with another story concerning another female character and her life in a strange existence within a religious cult , so you know that the stories will link ... Somehow however how they link is not given away until it happens , and was not predictable.
Esther and six of the other guests take a boat trip to an island to experience the 'real' Malaysia and then the real sory begins as they become stranded with very little food , and water and sunscreen and no means of communication to the outside world. It then becomes a tale of how to survive and the various emotions that all of the characters go through while they are there, and how they manage to keep going, also various truths are shared by each character to give them more substance.
Of course you know and hope that they will get off the island ..... but I won't give that away or any more of the story , suffice to say that there are dark twists and turns and unlikely events that happen to complete the story , and make it such a good read!!
I've read Emily Barr before and this is in the same calibre and quality.
I'd say it's a good holiday read ... But perhaps not if you are going backpacking alone !!

This book is ideal for those planning a hoilday break which involves loads of sand, sun and sangria (or whatever is your tipple).

It is pointless to recap the story with so many other reviews. Suffice to say, it is a light read involving a twist on a popular theme. It does race by. I must agree with some others that at times the story does stretch the bounds of credulity; would no-one have noticed that at least some of these people were AWOL?

Nevertheless, this is a solid read from a very popular author which won't disappoint her many fans, or those reading her for the first time.

Esther is marking her new life as a divorcee with a trip abroad - alone. She's heading for the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia, a veritable paradise, or so she's been told. Once there, she begins to relax and decides to take a trip out to a remote island with a small group of people. All seems idyllic at first - white sands, palm trees, crystal clear water. But then the group leader realises he's forgotten his lighter and is unable to cook for them, and zips back to the resort to collect it. He won't be long, he promises...

As day turns to night, Esther and her fellow travellers start to wonder if he's really coming back. What if they're stranded on the island? As the merciless sun beats down, and the group begin running out of food and fresh water, paradise starts to look a lot less idyllic, and they all have to face the consequences.

I really enjoyed this book - most of it, anyway. The descriptions of the islands are perfect, I really felt as if I was there. Esther is an interesting, complex character, and I loved how their isolation brought out the best and worst characteristics of the travellers. Unfortunately, I found the ending completely rushed and faintly ridiculous - it made for a disappointing end, and one that didn't suit the rest of the book. I would still recommend the book as an original and gripping read with some good twists, but prepare to suspend your disbelief for the ending!

This is the first novel I've read by Emily Barr but it probably won't be the last. It tells the story of 40 year old Esther, travelling in Malaysia to try to sort out her life after her unsatisfactory marriage comes to an end. With a small group of other travellers, she takes a day trip to a deserted island, and they find themselves stranded in this beautiful spot, when their guide fails to return to them. Interspersed with these events is the story of a teenager and her experiences in a closed religious cult. The connection with the main story can be guessed at but only becomes clear towards the end of the novel, and I must confess that although I had made a guess, I was quite wrong. I found the ending of the story rather unlikely, but in fairness, I am often a bit disappointed by endings. I think it is easier to set up these interesting scenarios than to resolve them. Esther was a believable character (I was not as convinced by all the characters) and I found myself feeling empathy for her.
This is an easy and gripping read which would make an ideal book to take on holiday - although I might have some reservations about reading it on a deserted tropical island.

I love Emily Barr's books so was delighted when this latest one was released. Before each book I wonder if this will be the point at which I no longer believe there are so many unstable people in the world but her characters are always totally believable.

About halfway through I was feeling mildly disappointed that I was reading some sort of Lost/Lord of the Flies crossover and then wham! - the usual expert Emily Barr twist occurred. I must admit that I did work out who Cathy was fairly early on but not certainly not her role in the situation.

I did feel that the end part of the book was not entirely necessary (was EB trying to reach a word limit?) so only 4 stars because of that otherwise it would definitely have been a 5.

A group of strangers are abandoned by their guide on a deserted island in the south china sea. Over time their secrets are revealed as they struggle to survive ......... this sounds like a quote straight from the back of the book but it this case it is true.
The characters are great and easily imaginable as people you might see on holiday. Usually you have to lie there on your sunbed and make up stories behind faces but with this book you get to find out exactly what the backgrounds are, or do you???
Esther, in particular, is a well drawn character and very easy to relate to. Tell me anyone who has not wanted to go on holiday to a paradise island on their own at some time in their lives.
The plot progresses at a great pace. It is a little let down by a few too many coincidences but it is fiction after all. The author has a very accessible style which makes this great for holiday reading, although not sure I would want to read it if I were holidaying in Malaysia.
Overall, an easy book to read with an unusual story to tell which feels completely possible.

Loved this book once I started to read it couldnt put it down.Not read any of her other books if she has written any but will look to

A superb novel with a sinister twist, enjoyed this as much as Emily Barr's other novels. Perfect for summer holiday reading.