The Last Summer (Karen Swan)

In this new novel, Karen Swan is taking us to St Kilda in that last summer before the evacuation of the Island in 1930. 
Effie Gillies has lived there all her life, working hard to support herself and her dad. Because her brother died and her father is getting older, she has to take on the chores they would have normally done and she becomes a very independent, wild and free spirited young woman. Shortly before the evacuation, she guides one of the visitors to the Island, the Earl of Dumfries, and her son Sholto for a birding tour. There is instant connection but they are from such different worlds. She is pursued by the unpleasant factor Matthieson and Sholto goes back to Scotland. The evacuation brings Effie and her father to Scotland and the employ of the Earl of Dumfries. Effie has one foot in the past and her eyes set on the future. Where will her new life take her?
This well researched story gives us a glimpse of the life on St Kilda in 1930. An island inhabited by 36 people who were still living in the old ways. Fetching eggs, birds and puffins to feed themselves, having very little material comfort and very isolated. The visit of tourists like the Earl of Dumfries gave the St Kildans an idea that they could have a better life and they decided to ask for their evacuation. But their new lives were not simple either. The story is full of really strong and interesting characters. St Kilda is beautifully depicted in its roughness and natural beauty, the contrast of the love St Kildans have for it and the wish they have to leave it because their life is so harsh there. The story also illustrates the strength they draw from their simple and mindful life.
I was totally absorbed in this novel and felt sad when the last page came a little abruptly. I was not ready for the end and I felt there were still so many questions left hanging. And then, I learned that this is the first novel of a series. I cannot wait now to read the next ones.
A very good novel and enjoyable read.