Brilliant escapism & beautifully written, transporting you to Walnut Tree island, a unique and intriguing world. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of an island in the Thames, which serves as a character in itself.

The novel delves into the lives and secrets of its eclectic residents, inspired by the legendary Eel Pie Island and its colourful history.

The descriptions evoke a sense of a unique and close-knit community, where artists, dreamers, and lovers reside.

The story explores themes of love, loss, secrets, and the complexities of community. It delves into the impact of the past on the present, and the ways in which old relationships can resurface.

A captivating and immersive read, which draws you in and keeps you hooked until the very end, I loved it!

Incredibly beautiful writing and a slowly unfolding story with a few different strands but mostly centred on the Star family: Mary, Ruby and Jo. The parts describing Mary's early experiences of the island during its era as a famous rock venue were the most enjoyable and the past really came alive. The characters of the tightly-knit island community are well-developed and really draw the reader in.

Spoilers

A very enjoyable book. The sense of community was so heartwarming, and the view of what boat living is like.
I could picture myself so easily falling in with these characters, they were so well written.
I liked the back history of the island, its music scene, and how now, everything is slowly falling apart.
The plot is predictable, but I can't be cross about that, as I don't know I'd have wanted it to end any other way.
Some great characters, I think I'll remember Mary, Jo and Dave (lovely Dave) for a while yet.