Description

Book Synopsis

''This is an old and wicked island. An island of Phoenicians and merchants, of bloodsuckers and frauds''

Expelled from her convent school for kicking the prioress, and abandoned by her father when her mother dies, rebellious teenager Matia is sent to live with her domineering grandmother on the island of Mallorca. In the hot, oppressive stillness of an adolescent summer, she learns to scheme with her cousin Borja, and finds herself increasingly drawn to the strange outsider Manuel. But civil war has come to Spain, and it will teach Matia about the adult world in ways she could not foresee.

This powerful, lyrical coming-of-age novel depicts Mallorca as an enchanted island, a lost Eden and a Never Land combined, where ancient hatreds and present-day passions collide.

''brilliant, devastating . . . every character is remarkable and captivating'' The Times Literary Supplement

''a feverish, dramatic brew . . . the style is intoxicating . . . it

Trade Review
brilliant, devastating . . . every character is remarkable and captivating * The Times Literary Supplement *
a great book, unruly and passionate and brutal -- Jonathan Gibbs * Tiny Camels *
a feverish, dramatic brew . . . the style is intoxicating . . . it offers a unique view of a part of Spain usually overlooked by literature * The Irish Times *

The Island

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Ana María Matute, Laura Lonsdale

    £9.49

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 21 Oct 2026.

    7 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Island by Ana María Matute

      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Penguin Classics
      Published 23 April 2020
      ISBN-13 9780241374283
      978-0241374283
      ISBN-10 0241374286
      Also in:
      Contemporary Fiction

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      ''This is an old and wicked island. An island of Phoenicians and merchants, of bloodsuckers and frauds''

      Expelled from her convent school for kicking the prioress, and abandoned by her father when her mother dies, rebellious teenager Matia is sent to live with her domineering grandmother on the island of Mallorca. In the hot, oppressive stillness of an adolescent summer, she learns to scheme with her cousin Borja, and finds herself increasingly drawn to the strange outsider Manuel. But civil war has come to Spain, and it will teach Matia about the adult world in ways she could not foresee.

      This powerful, lyrical coming-of-age novel depicts Mallorca as an enchanted island, a lost Eden and a Never Land combined, where ancient hatreds and present-day passions collide.

      ''brilliant, devastating . . . every character is remarkable and captivating'' The Times Literary Supplement

      ''a feverish, dramatic brew . . . the style is intoxicating . . . it

      Trade Review
      brilliant, devastating . . . every character is remarkable and captivating * The Times Literary Supplement *
      a great book, unruly and passionate and brutal -- Jonathan Gibbs * Tiny Camels *
      a feverish, dramatic brew . . . the style is intoxicating . . . it offers a unique view of a part of Spain usually overlooked by literature * The Irish Times *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account