Easter Island: A Novel

I chose this book because I'm interested old-timey anthropology, women science-ing, sea voyages, and the folklore of the South Pacific - and I got all that in Easter Island. What I didn't expect was to be touched. I actually cried, not because anything tragic happened, but because this was so perfect. Vanderbes's writing was dynamic and evocative and beautiful, which was a lovely complement to the academic rigor and technical diction with which Greer and Elsa tackled their work. I also appreciated the author's note in which we learned what was factual in this fictional book. I even purchased Katherine Routledge's Mystery of Easter Island on which Elsa's story was based, that's how interested Vanderbes made me in Easter Island.However, I found that Greer's story intrigued me much more than Elsa's, even though Elsa's was closer to my normal time period and subject matter of choice. Something about her got under my skin, the way she thought of her sister as both a burden and a boon, her alternate gratitude and grovelling toward Edward, for some reason it was unpleasant to read about that. I was much more compelled by Greer's story, her friends, her professional struggles, the betrayal of her husband, the relationships she forms on Rapa Nui. Most of all, though, was her passion for her work, her love and appreciation for nature coupled with her steely determination and intellectual acumen were a pleasure to read. (Much of my love for this book may be rooted in my own desire to be a jet-setting academic on a solo expedition to a far off land.). By contrast, Elsa began her work with the rongorongo for something to do, and Edward's exploration of the moai seems more a result of mid-life crisis than a spirited desire for an answer to that inquiry - and that shows in their thoughts and dialogue about their studies. Valid characterization, to be sure, but not as enjoyable to sit through.The side characters, Mahina, Greer's fellow researchers, Jo, Vicente, were well-developed and a pleasure to read about.Unlike some reviewers, I was pleasantly surprised and proud of Vanderbes for NOT shoehorning in a direct collision of the 1913 and 1973 stories. If something like Greer discovering Elsa's journal or Vicente finding the tablets in Germany had occurred, it would have lessened the novel for me. There was beauty, grace, nuance in Greer being given the fossilized shell from Alice's necklace to help her discovery about the palms without realizing it was from the lost English expedition, that Luka knew them. Also, it would have torpedoed what I consider to be the main theme, moving on when you don't have everything, when things aren't perfect, appreciating what is rather than mourning what isn't. Greer was able to find the key to the palynology and history of the island despite grief over her failed marriage. Vicente developed a new passionate interest, in the biography of Von Spee; his new academic passion coming directly from the disappointment of failing to find the kohua and translate the pictographs. Even a bit character, like Burke-Jones, finds in the inability to replicate the raising of a moai closure on his wife's death and the motivation to leave for India. Wonderful things can come from the imperfect. This is going to sound so snobby, but I think a certain degree of literary taste is needed to fully appreciate this book. And, no, the botany information is neither dull nor too difficult to understand.All in all, this is a very romantic book about science, and a very scientific book about beauty, in life and in love. I haven't read something this moving in a while, and I even feel I learned a fair bit about botany and Easter Island. I have already ordered both another book by Vanderbes and The Mystery of Easter Island, if that tells you how happy this book made me. If anyone has made it this far in my review (say hi if so!), please, please give yourself the gift of reading this.

Who hasn't been fascinated since first reading Thor Heyerdahl's account of the massive stone carvings along with his raft voyages in the Pacific tracing the hypothetical early human ? It was a childhood read, rich in adventure and mystery. Vanderbes in her excellent rendition of scientific exploration of the past on this remote and desolate island has re-created the mystery and intrigue first documented by Heyerdahl. Her interweaving of two time periods of expeditions and scientific inquiry into more than the stones themselves but the people, the culture, the mystery of the disappearance of typical Pacific Island flora and fauna all capture the thoughtful reader into the appeal that Easter Island always evokes. I highly recommend this book. Vanderbes has done her research and created rich plausible characters as she reveals some of the secrets of the island.

This book is extraordinary on so many levels and an extremely satisfying work of historical fiction. It is captivating how the author can weave a botanical treatise into the wonder of Easter Island's majestic stone figures encouraging a sense of curiosity exploring evolution, women in science, personal loss and solitude across time and a shared island. Even autism through the prism of time. I feel a great sense of wonder and appreciation for the fascinating story of history and science, women and perceptions. I have relished and greatly enjoyed the insights Jennifer Vanderbes has woven with an attention to research, details, and the essence of character.

Easter Island has always interested me so I've read a lot of non-fiction books about it. This is the first novel I've seen about this island of mystery. I'm so glad I decided to read it because it's just a great book - full of interesting information, some of which I'd never come across before, and such a lovely 'double' story. Reading this book was like riding a choppy wave in a small boat - you never knew exactly where the water would take you but the ride was so nice, you really didn't care as long as you could stay aboard. Just a really good story.

It was a little too technical for me, but once I could get past that, I really enjoyed the stories. I was surprised by the twists, and never once suspected the outcome. The two storylines come together in a completely wonderful way. I can't wait to read more about Easter Island.

i knew very little about Easter Island, except a little about the large sculptures. This was a great story, but woven into it was a great deal of information about the island. It is wonderful to have a great read and one where you learn something!

Not really what I expected, but it is my fault. I haven't read description, thinking that's a book about Easter Island. In fact, it is second class love affair, that takes place in Easter Island. Fortunately, I bought it used at bargain price.

Interesting once one can get into it.

Book in poor condition. A former Barnsley Library book, obviously much read with discoloured pages.

Interesting and informative and good to be introduced to a new author.

if you have a dream of Easter Island this is the book for you