This was an eagerly awaited book for me, who thoroughly enjoyed reading STAGS last summer. Unfortunately, the main character of The Island, Link, was unlikeable as a narrator - he came across as selfish and entitled. Link was a self described 'geek' and thus he believed he was hated and oppressed by all others. He desperately conformed to stereotypes to enforce this view as he forced his parents to buy him glasses even though he did not need them. All this regardless of the overwhelming privilege he had going to a fancy school and having professors for parents.
Despite that the book is still a well written piece from Bennett and my lack of enjoyment is certainly not something I'll be holding against Bennet when it comes to her future novels.
Despite that the book is still a well written piece from Bennett and my lack of enjoyment is certainly not something I'll be holding against Bennet when it comes to her future novels.