Island Madness (Isis (Audio))

Rating:
Summary: Enlightening & Provocative
Review: Tim Binding's book sets as its scene the German occupation of Guernsey during the Second World War. The people, who differ from the mainland English due to their former French identity, are made to live with their occupants in 'harmony'. This is something that some characters find easy to do while others struggle at it. Some, however, do it for convenience and to raise their social standing. The novel questions the moral decisions these characters make in a world which is distorted and unreal, making the entire question of morality warped as the island is camptured in a time when nothing feels real. What the would have decided at peacetime is not something they will opt for in times of trouble. Binding's novel is illuminating in exploring the human condition, and the prioritisation of values which bring out the true nature of a human being in crisis. A good read.