I have read and enjoyed many of Anne Rivers Siddons novels but this story of what happens to Molly Redwine after her mother dies suddenly and her husband leaves her for an awful younger woman is one of her best. She has such a gift for describing places - in this case, Martha's Vineyard - that you can practically see and smell and sense what it is like, even if you've never been there.

Molly goes to the island to stay with a friend while she recovers from the shock and pain of the terrible events in her life. An odd group of characters, including two surly swans, become Molly's surrogate family as she tries to figure out what to do next. I loved this book so much that I actually contemplated taking a sick day from work so I could finish it. ( )

A perfect summer/beach book! My first by this author and I loved it. I couldn't wait to see how it ended yet didn't want it to end. I loved the swans!!!! Lovely book to get lost in.I would have liked alittle more closure in the ending.Highly recommended! ( )

Interesting book. It starts out with one feeling and by the end it is completely different. ( )

Interesting book. It starts out with one feeling and by the end it is completely different. ( )

Molly Bell Redwine has had the mantra 'family means everything' instilled in her from early childhood by her charismatic, demanding mother. But in what seems like a single instant, Molly's world is tilted on its axis and she is shaken to her very core by the aftermath. When her husband of more than twenty years leaves her for a much younger woman, Molly's world crumbles around her. She is devastated to learn that the "Other Woman" has stepped in to Molly's life and essentially replaced her - moving into Molly's house, taking over her social position and earning the affection of Molly's son.

With the death of her domineering mother, Molly is truly set adrift in the world. Seeking refuge with a friend in Martha's Vineyard, Molly begins to search for her own identity. When her friend departs, she decides to stay in Martha's Vineyard by herself. Molly rents a small cottage, assuming the duties of caretaker for two cantankerous elderly women who share a haunting secret, the gravely ill and estranged son of one of those women, and a pair of territorial swans.

As Molly's stay on Martha's Vineyard widens the distance between her and her old life in Atlanta, she learns to let go of her outdated notions of family and becomes part of a different - but still very real - new family. As winter closes in on Martha's Vineyard, Molly struggles to nurture them and looks forward to a more hopeful future.

I really enjoyed reading Up Island. In my opinion, Anne Rivers Siddons is a truly great author - she really draws the reader into the story, and they are captured by a desire to know what happens next. I vaguely remember reading this book before several years ago, but I couldn't really remember most of the plot, so it was like reading an entirely new book for me. I give Up Island by Anne Rivers Siddons an A+! and will place it on my keeper shelf to read again. ( )