The Last Summer by Karen Swan and audiobook Narrated by Katie Leung is an excellent historical fiction that takes us into the lives of those living and leaving St Kilda during the 1930s, and I just loved it.

This book is the first in The Wild Isle series and what a great start it sure is. This is the third book that I have read about the history, lives, and events taking place on the isolated island of St Kilda, and each one is so unique and brings something different to the table.

This book is special in that it is almost two books in one. The first part involves the inhabitants still living on St Kilda, and the second gives us a glimpse of the unique positions these women (and men) experience when they are forced to vacate their home and find a new life for themselves on the mainland. Society, culture, relationships, and the structure of classes are all an awakening and a jolt for sure. Some changes are positive, some are different and difficult. Relationships that were simple on the island are now complex, complicated, and sometimes changed and broken. There is love, loss, friendship, family, changes, mystery, and it is all drawn out beautifully by the author and it all sounds lovely by the impressive narrator and her stunning accent. It really adds to the novel.

I really love Effie as a character. She is beautifully written and I really enjoyed her story.

Definitely a 5/5 star rating.

Thank you NG and Macmillan UK Audio for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/21/22.

This is as absolutely gorgeous slow burn read. Split into two halves. The first is on the island. I was fascinated to learn it was based on true events. I loved the island, its descriptions, you almost felt as if you were there. It's hard to imagine such a basic life and virtually cut off from the rest of the world. Effie was such a strong character that you couldn't help but root for her.

The second half is set on the mainland where they move to the grounds of the Earl’s estate. There is a romance bubbling in the background as well as a mystery of what happened to the factor. It's very reminiscent of Downtown Abbey, a them and us, with Effie stuck in the middle.

I loved the narrator. I loved her Scottish accent and initially I thought I would struggle but she was just perfect at bringing the story to life. Overall it was such an entertaining read that I highly recommended and I hope there is more to come.

One question. Who owned the brooch?