I must say, The Islanders is the most beautiful independently published book I've ever laid my hands on. The author, FJ Campbell, was kind enough to send me a copy for review, and unwrapping it was such a treat - gorgeous cover art, brilliant production value, hats off to FJ and the Matador Publishing team!

The Islanders is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Far From The Madding Crowd, transplanting the story to a British boarding school in the early '90s. It ticked all of my nostalgia boxes, so many shared cultural references of my youth! It's dripping with well-researched detail, beautiful landscapes, and the thrill of teenage romance. And I loved the in-text shout out to Stella Gibbons' Cold Comfort Farm - another very underrated classic! Hopefully this book will prompt a few readers to check it out 😉

I'd describe The Islanders as a British 10 Things I Hate About You - in fact, it'd be perfect for the screen! I'd love to see a film adaptation! - so if that sounds like it's up your alley, make sure you get yourself a copy pronto.