The Island

Adventures on Matinicus Isle

By: Stephen Cronin, David Jones, Marian Wells Cronin

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Hardcover | 10 August 2021

At a Glance

Hardcover
206 Pages

Age
13+

Grade
07 - 12

Dimensions(cm)
20.32 x 12.7 x 1.75

Hardcover

$31.89

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When Stephen's dad is lost at sea in the mid-1800s, his life begins unravel. His devoted mother Ellen, an Irish wash-woman, can't keep an eye on Stephen and his brother while trying to make enough for the family to live on.

At her wits' end, Ellen sends Stephen to a reform school upstate, but Stephen doesn't take to it. Stephen is finally taken in by a family living on island 23 miles off the coast of Maine: Matinicus. There, Stephen rediscovers himself through adventures and misadventures with new friends. Instead of feeling trapped on the Island so far from home, Stephen finds freedom as he grows into adulthood through the devoted care of his newfound Grandmother and Grandfather.

Toward the end of his life, Stephen recounted this true story to his Marian Wells Cronin. The Island has now been updated for contemporary readers by Stephen's great-grandson, David Jones. Combined with historical notes and additional bonus materials online, this story provides a rich window into one family's history that can help all of us make sense of who we wish to be in the present.

Industry Reviews

The Island is a book that somehow takes the reader on a grand adventure while at the same time inspiring a feeling of coziness that makes one want to stay awhile. The reader will cheer Stephen on to do the right thing while laughing at his antics. This book shows us how a boy learns the value of honesty, hard work, and family while sprinkling everything with humor. Mr. Cronin gives us a rich glimpse of life on a fishing island in the 19th century. The Island is a coming of age tale that leaves the reader happy to have visited this wonderful time and place.

LAURA BERGHUIS Librarian, Rogers High School

A book about life in the mid-1800's that helps you envision what life was like back then, told by a person who lived it. A fulfilling and descriptive account that makes that time period come alive.

JOHN BRANDON Author and Columnist

You will find in Stephen's marvelous book the secret of raising a child. It does take a village; and, sometimes it takes an entire island 23.5 nautical miles out to sea. Sometimes it still does.

SUZANNE RANKIN

Matinicus Island Town Historian and Director of the Matinicus Island Historical Society

Anyone interested in Maine history, or the realities of rural New England in the mid-1800's, will enjoy this warm little memoir. An honest-but still charming-description of coastal Maine, seen largely through a child's eyes, Cronin's recollections of his childhood far offshore invites readers into a community where interdependence, friendship, and an admirable work ethic make island life not only bearable but enjoyable. The same can be said for island life today!

EVA MURRAY

Former island one-room school teacher and the author of three books about island life, including Well Out to Sea and Island Birthday.

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