2004 Year in Review

Islands by Anne Rivers Siddons

For any of you readers who have vacationed in the same location for years, or for those of you who have spent time in the South on vacation, this book is a must for you to read.

The book takes place in the South Carolina ‘Low County’ and Sullivan’s Island off the coast of Charleston. Ms. Siddons follows the lives of four couples that are more than friends to each other; they are family. Common to this group of friends is the beach house they own together on Sullivan’s Island, a place where they meet as often as time will allow. They call themselves the Scrubs and promise when the time comes to find a place to live together by the sea.

The central character of the novel is Anny Butler, an independent caretaker and director of a children’s welfare agency. She has really never had a family of her own until she meets Lewis Aiken, an exuberant, red-haired doctor. When they marry, Anny finds a family, though not a traditional one, but one of inseparable childhood friends who have become each other’s surrogate family.

The bond of this group is tight and loving; however, life’s problems: hurricane, fire, and death begin the changes within the group. It is because of these problems that the reader begins to see beyond the top layer of the characters and into their true character. Friends, Lila and Simms, have a secret burden, which threatens their marriage. Henry and Farlie, a couple who face a devastating loss, and Charles and Camilla who also face the pain of loss and love are all a part of the story and members of the Scrubs.

As the troubles and bad things begin to happen, those left cling together and move to an island retreat to live their lives together. Anny, however, must learn that all is not how it seems, and how to truly live again after her loss.

I think this is Anne Rivers Siddons best book since her early one, Colony. There is a depth of writing of not only location, but also of the inner feelings and thoughts of the main characters. A good read either for the couch or the beach!

by Anne Frame, Guest Columnist
June 28, 2004