Book Review & Giveaway: The Castaways (Closed)

Title: The Castaways: A Novel

Author: Elin Hilderbrand

About the Book:

Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy’s closest friends for what will be revealed.

Once again, Hilderbrand masterfully weaves an intense tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of endless summer island life.

My Review:

The Castaways is a story about eight friends (four couples) and how their lives intertwined. After the tragic loss of one of the couples, the six remaining friends are left to manage their grief, reveal secrets and relive memories. The story is shared from the perspectives of each of the six surviving friends. Their memories overlap at times and provide the reader with surprising revelations about the interactions and experiences shared by the group.

This was an easy summer read. I felt truly connected to the characters in the book and I was anxious to delve further into their pasts with each turn of the page. Each character experienced grief in his/her own personal way, reminding the reader that there is no “right” way to cope with loss. I definitely recommend this book, and I am already in search of more novels by Elin Hilderbrand.

*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*

Giveaway

Thanks to Valerie at Hachette Books, I have 3 copies of The Castaways to giveaway to 3 of my readers.

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Open to US & Canada. No PO Boxes.

Giveaway ends on August 1, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected.