This is a wartime story based on the island of Corfu, told from two different timescales between the 1940’s and present day. Anna and Matilde are a couple of young Jewish girls living on Corfu. Their family have been sent to a concentration camp by the Nazis, but the two little girls have been hidden and manged to evade capture. Decades later, James and Amber decide to leave rainy Britain for sunnier climes in Corfu. Here, Amber discovers the tragic story that happened to the people of Corfu all those years ago, and particularly the story of Anna and Matilde.

I’ve read many wartime stories but never one based in Corfu. To be completely honest, I didn’t even consider that the Jewish community of Corfu suffered such tragedy during the war, and am shamefully naïve in the history of this. After reading this book, I had to go and read about this part of the War, and after doing this realised how well researched this book and how much the author has done to make this book factually correct.

Both parts of the story were heart-breaking and had me on the verge of tears several times throughout. I’ve read so many different accounts of what life was like during the War and whilst Anna and Matilde’s experiences were no different to thousands of other children it felt different because of the location. James and Amber’s addition to the storyline was interesting and reminds us how the effects of the War were still being felt so many years on.

This was an emotional read, which at times made me forget that I was only reading a story. Anna and Matilde’s story was definitely the more captivating, and to be honest I would have been just as happy if the book focussed on their story completely. This book has given me an important history lesson and made me feel very humble about what these people went through. Would definitely recommend.

Brief synopsis from the book cover:

They were not her children. But she would protect them with her life…

Corfu 1943. Though they don’t know it, five-year-old Matilde and three-year-old Anna have kissed their mother for the last time. The Nazis have reached their sun-scorched home, and they are being taken to a place of safety, on the north-eastern tip of the rocky island, to be hidden at great risk by kindly Agata and her husband until the terrible war is over.

Matilde and Anna’s tears are soothed by Agata’s bedtime stories, but she is always alert. So far no soldiers have ventured down the steep rocky hillside to their secret haven, but Agata knows they are constantly scouring the island for missing Jews. And then, on a day when Agata’s husband is away, a German soldier appears…

2016. Under a baking June sun, Amber and her husband arrive in Corfu from England, hoping for a fresh start. But not everyone is pleased by their arrival, and with the pressures of pregnancy, the couple grow further apart. Desperate to find a sense of belonging for herself and her unborn child, Amber finds herself drawn to the local story of two little girls, left by their parents and hidden for their own protection.

But there are some who would rather Amber left Corfu’s terrible history well in the past. Can Amber uncover the heart-breaking truth about the two little girls, and what happened after a German soldier took a swim in the bay by their house? If she does, can the secrets of the past help her find happiness, or send her running from the island, alone?

My rating:

Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Women’s fiction
General fiction



Review:

The book is written over two time lines beautifully woven together with interesting strong characters in both of them. The historical time line sheds a light on a little known historical fact, the heartbreaking story of the deportation of the Jews population of Corfu during World War II and tells the story of two young girls who are hidden by their parents. The time line in the present tells the story of Amber and James who move to Corfu for a fresh start. I found the historical time line the most interesting and also the strongest part of the book. I feel that the plot would have been even better, if the historical time line was described in greater detail.

Overall this is a nicely written book that gives an inside into a little known event in the history of Corfu. The characters are well depicted and interesting. The writing is captivating and the book is set in a beautiful location. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is an interesting story well worth reading.


Review copy provided by NetGalley at no cost to me

Burning Island is another dont want it to end, you will smile, you will cry wonderful read by Suzanne Goldring.

It is the story of 2 sisters in Corfu during World War 2 whom the parents sent away in order to save their lives and they were hidden and taken of care of. It is also the story of the Germans moving the Jewish out of their homes and into concentration camps if they made it that far. The dual story is that of James and Amber moving to Corfu to start a new life. Amber learns of Corfu's history during the war and discovers what happened to the sisters.

I loved learning the history during the war of Corfu , something I was not aware of.

Suzanne Goldring has told another beautiful story and is well woth sitting down and getting lost in the story. Please take time to read her notes at the end of the book.

THanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading Burning Island.

This story takes place on the island of Corfu during two different time periods. In June 1944, the Jews are being rounded up to be sent off to a "work camp." Issac and Perla Nikokiris have 3 daughters, Rebekka 13, Matilde 5 and Anna 3. They did not register the two younger girls so they make the decision to have a doctor friend take them to live with a childless couple, Georgiou and Agata, who live in the mountains in order to keep them safe. Isaac, Perla and Rebekka begin their inhumane journey to the work camp and the little girls begin a new life in the mountains. The second part of the book begins in June 2006 when Amber and James decide they are sick of the stress and long hours of their jobs and decide to quit in search of something more peaceful on the island of Corfu. The book alternates between the different time periods and different POVs. I especially liked the chapters that dealt with WWII aspect of this book. I did not care for the chapters that dealt with James and Amber in 2006 because I felt there was too much time spent on his recipes and cooking and Amber's decorating. Overall, it was a good read though. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this very interesting book in exchange for an honest review.

Two stories, one historical and one contemporary, meshed beautifully together in one book intersecting in a tragically engaging way. The dueling time lines were flawlessly written by Suzanne Goldring as her story telling reveals snippets of intrigue slowly and honestly. While the first 20ish% started off a little slow to me the story really starts picking up as we get deeper into the truths of the two stories and how they are connected. I'd classify this as strong woman's fiction. The heart of the story rests on the hope and pain of the female characters. I also loved how the setting of the story takes on a beating heart of it's own. Steeped in unthinkable tragedy in the past yet so alluring and seemingly magical in the present, Corfu becomes a character in it's own right.

Burning Island touches on a more obscure aspect of WWII that I never knew about making the fictitious story all the more interesting to learn and read. The depth of loss juxtaposed with love here was painful at some junctures of the story making it very emotional. To relive this time gives a reader a deeper compassion for what our fellow humans endured in the history of the world and how the history still evokes and challenges us today. Goldring's story telling comes off as a bit mysterious when she leaves bread crumbs of more to come. Her chapters are mostly short and concise allowing readers to get just what they need while wanting more. She gives hope with the pain too which, to me, is the mark of a great story. This was a very illuminating, engaging read.

A dual storyline that intersects at the the conclusion. I enjoy the historical time period of WWII and love to read new things about it. I wish the author had written more about the two sisters and less about present day. The whole drama around James was not appealing to me. This was just an okay book for me.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel loosely based on the truth around the corfu jews during world war 2...

wow where to start with this one...this is done in alternate chapters one about the jews of corfu and their treatment by the germans who invaded the island and how a family gave their two daughters away to be looked after till they returned...and the recent storyline of a couple who look for more in their lives than what they had,with the hopes that by having their own business and with hard work and determination their lives will be better and more enriched...

both stories are gripping in themselves and as both storylines continue you are gripped with each of them...willing them on

have to admit to shedding a few tears at the end and will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works, this book wont disappoint and it highlights the journey of the corfu jews and how they were treated by the germans

I absolutely loved this book, I cried in a few places but I loved the story, the setting, it is a setting I am not used to reading about during World War II. I liked it a lot.

Burning Island is an enjoyable read overall. I liked the different characters and storylines, particularly Amber. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC

This was a heart wrenching story and it was told well. Having no idea there were Jews on Corfu, even though I know Greece suffered horribly at the hands of the Germans during WWII. A dual timeline novel made it even more interesting. These stories are difficult to read, but authors such as Suzanne Goldring bring you the reality, capturing the history and the humanity that can't help but draw you in. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Beautifully written story with a dual storyline.Tragic and sad but filled with strong women this story will have you crying and reaching for that ray of hope.
Amber and James live in Corfu.They find out that two little orphan Jewish girls were hidden in the basement of their house during the Holocaust by the GRreek couple who lived in that house.
I had never read any book on Hitlers reach in Greece.Wonderful book.Definit;y recommend
Thankyou Netgalley for this ARC

1944. 2016. Two stories. How did they tie in together?

For starters, World War II is in full swing and the parents of two very young girls in Corfu, Greece make a heart-wrenching decision. The Nazi occupation is in full swing and they know they are about to lose everything they know and love. So, the girls, Matilde and Anna, are hidden and managed to end up in the custody of Agata and Georgiu, family friends. Can Agata and her husband keep the children out of the hands of the Germans? If so, for how long?

As this story is written in dual time lines, it is now 2016. Amber and her husband James arrive in Corfu. They left England full of hope, and soon plan on starting their own business. Things are not easy for them. Actually, with Amber being pregnant during this transition, she is overwhelmed. While James explores business opportunities, Amber finds herself drawn to stories of decades ago about two little girls who were successfully hidden by the Germans during the second world war.

As Amber listened to the stories as they were related, I was captivated by Anna and Matilde's story, and especially with Agata's boldness. What will these stories bring to Amber? How, if at all, will this recounting of the past affect her present and future with husband James?

I am quite drawn to this time in history, and every time I read a book like this I cry, but what is more, is that the stories are always filled with hope shining through. I applaud Suzanne Goldring for doing that in Burning Island. Although many decades apart in age, it was wonderful to see how Anna, Matilde and Amber became connected.

As she did in her previous novel, My Name is Eva, and as is recounted in the Historical Note at the end of the book, the author shows that this fictional story is inspired by true events. I was shocked to find that Hitler reached as far as Greece! Every historical fiction book I have read about this tragic time in history is written with exceptional attention to detail. Ms. Goldring did an amazing job in writing this book.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Two storylines come together beautifully in this historical fiction story. They cross over in ways that I didn't see coming and both stories show us strong women in different situations. I really loved the flow of this story and I would love to see what else this author has out there. The characters are all written wonderfully and I couldn't put this down.

Amber and James love the Greek island of Corfu. They hope to build a home and business there. Everything is going smoothly until the night of the fire. Their Restaurant is badly damaged. Amber ends up going into labor and hiding in the cellar. There she gives birth to her son, Theo. Later she finds out that the cellar was used as a shelter for two little Jewish orphan girls that a couple had taken in. These young girls survived because a Greek couple took them in, cared and loved them.
Amber would later meet these two little girls, now grown women with children and grandchildren.
Whoever says that the past is over and done for and doesn't matter, should read this book. It melds the modern life of a young couple just starting out with a story of a brave couple putting their lives on the line to shelter two little orphan girls.
Excellent read!

I really enjoyed reading Burning Island. The story line and the characters are interesting and the mystery behind Dimitri had me intrigued from the beginning and held my curiosity throughout the book. I loved the relationship Amber had built with Inge and Marian. While I truly enjoyed the story, In the beginning I struggled with the layout of the book, each chapter being told from a different character's point of view. I personally would have liked to have more of the story in each chapter instead of breaking up the story with the change of each chapter by going back and forth from 1944 to 2007. There were some wonderful twists and turns in this book, especially the way this author told the story from James and Amber's own perspectives, each one telling their own version of the events and showing how two people could experience the same thing but come away with a different feeling on the experience, that was a wonderful surprise! This book is a great reminder that events from the past can and do reach decades into the future and touch lives far removed from a tragedy or event, in this case the horrific events of the Holocaust. This book is a great example of the good and bad and the people who make the choice to stand up and do what is right, even when faced with dire consequences.

The author shows the many faces of sorrow. The sorrow we live that comes to all of us and the sorrow of those whose lives were taken too soon. Greece like most European countries were thrown into darkness and death by the Germans. We who live on must never forget. A book of broken hearts, broken promises, and broken lives.

Suzanne Goldring uses alternating perspectives to reveal the sad history of the Corfu Jewish community during WWII and what modern day life in Corfu, Greece is like.

Rebekka and her parents are among the Jewish population sent to Auschwitz by the Germans. Rebekka has two younger sisters, Anna and Matilde. Due to their young ages, their names have not been recorded on the German's official lists. The parents of these innocent girls must make the most difficult decision they've ever been faced with.

Tired of their busy lives in the cold and wet climate of London, James and Amber Young move to the island of Corfu. Amber befriends two women, Marian and Inge, who reveal to her the darkest secrets of Corfu's past.

This is a gut wrenching tale of how the effects of WWII can still be felt.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Publishing for the ARC of Burning Island in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on Goodreads and on Instagram @rosetree_bookreviewer.

This book tells a part of Corfu’s history that I didn’t know.

With 3 separate but intertwined storylines, we learn of Rebekka’s journey with her parents, Anna and Matilde’s time with ‘Aggy’ and ‘Georgy’ and, in the present, Amber and James and their plan to start a restaurant.

It has an eclectic cast of characters making this a story of love and hope. I was keen to read more in every chapter and the story jumped around exactly the right amount to keep us interested. I found myself hoping for bright endings while history already told me I shouldn’t. This book manages to stay uplifting, despite the dark subject matter and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

"How has it come to this? We have always been able to live together in spite of our different faiths."
A captivating novel. Set in Corfu at different time periods. Tragedy of the Jewish people taken from their homes and tortured. Taking trains and boats to Auschwitz, lied to thinking they were going to work and be able to return home. I cried wondering how people could be so cruel.
Modern day Corfu, James and Amber have moved there, working for friend, Ben and soon have their own restaurant and villa.
You will not regret reading this book.
Suzanne Goldring did a fantastic job of writing this.

Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for this eARC.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Suzanne Goldring for the opportunity to read this wonderful book I loved the story that switched from Amber in the present day to Anna, Mathilde and Rebekah. It was a harsh and heartbreaking story of how the Jewish people were removed from Corfu with only a short time left in the war. I had not known of this tragedy and found it educational to read this devastating story. The description of Corfu was lovely and I could easily picture the breathtaking views. Amber’s story stated well but in the middle it seemed to suddenly veer away from the basic storyline without giving a lot of detail but the ending of her story was poignant. The young girls story was well told and I enjoyed the glimpses of overlap with Ambers. Overall a beautiful book dealing with a tragic story that was told in a well written manner. I was moved to tears in the end.