This narrative about one of the more mysterious islands in the world and its native inhabitants is informative and engaging. Recommending for folks that like narrative historical nonfiction.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I will certainly recommend it to others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **
This is a fascinating blend of archaeology, history, and travelogue, taking readers to remote Skara Brae in Orkney. The chapters trace the site’s discovery, its place in Neolithic life, and the mysteries still surrounding its sudden abandonment. Pitts writes with the enthusiasm of someone who has walked the windswept paths and felt the past underfoot. His explanations of the artifacts and architectural details make the ancient village come alive. I appreciated how he balanced hard evidence with thoughtful speculation, letting the reader feel the pull of unanswered questions. It’s the kind of nonfiction that leaves you both informed and itching to visit for yourself.

Between its take on the longstanding narrative that Easter Island is a prime historical example of the ecological dangers of poor resource stewardship, plus the fascinating story of Katherine Routledge, "Island at the Edge of the World" proved to be a considerable eye-opener of a read.