The Island Between Us

Dougie McHale

HAVE you had the pleasure of holidaying in Skiathos? Whether you already know – and love – this beautiful Greek island, or have never before experienced its many charms, then prepare to be totally spellbound by this heartwarming and heartbreaking time-slip tale of survival, sacrifice, romance and revenge.

Spanning two timelines – and two countries – The Island Between Us is the latest book in Scottish musician, songwriter and author Dougie McHale’s much-loved Hellenic Collection which travels between Edinburgh and the sun-soaked Greek islands, and explores fascinating corners of wartime history through a rich assortment of characters facing some of life’s most difficult choices.

But by far the most important character in McHale’s (pictured below) novels is Greece itself with its culture, religion and people, and the vibrant light and colours of its sea and landscape, providing the inspiration for cross-generational, emotion-packed stories full of intrigue, real history and human drama. And it is the turbulent years of the wartime German Occupation of Skiathos which take centre stage in this time-travelling epic as we are swept into the lives of courageous Greek resistance fighters, and the British troops who were sent to help liberate the island and undertake pivotal military operations.

After a shattering break-up with her suffocating live-in boyfriend Stuart in Edinburgh in 2007, Carissa finally puts herself first and lands a job leading walking and hiking tours on the sun-drenched island of Skiathos, where she is determined to finally take control of her life again.

Still haunted by a disturbing incident with Stuart just before she finally walked out on him, Carissa hopes that the quiet rhythms of nature and the island’s idyllic landscape will help her to heal from her trauma.

And soon the rolling hills with their lush green slopes and olive groves, the golden sands and aquamarine sea – plus the warm smile of her handsome work colleague Demitris – are soothing Carissa’s soul, bringing the changes she longed for and making her feel like she’s ‘walking on air.’

But one summer’s day on a guided tour, she discovers an elderly man collapsed in the garden of his home and her world is unexpectedly turned upside down. Thomas is an elderly British veteran who is haunted by his covert role as an intelligence officer in Second World War Greece and is still carrying the burden of loss.

Carissa and Thomas form an unexpected bond and as their friendship grows, Thomas recounts his wartime memories of the little known Greek resistance and his military mission in which danger, loyalty and love collided. In turn, Carissa begins to confront her own trauma, rediscover her strength and to fall for Demitris who offers the love she desperately needs. But when ex-boyfriend Stuart resurfaces on Skiathos, seeking revenge and determined to drag her back under his control, she must find enough courage to stand against the shadows now threatening her, and protect the life she has rebuilt.

Recalled by many film fans as one of the unforgettable settings for the smash hit movie Mamma Mia!, Skiathos is the perfect atmospheric backdrop for the two principal characters from two generations whose lives seem to transcend the boundaries of time as we are plunged backwards and forwards into the very real dangers and dilemmas they face… in the past for Thomas and in the present for Carissa.

Encouraged to delve into the memories that have followed him across six decades, Thomas hopes to find his own healing in revisiting the painful corners of his wartime experiences while Carissa’s contemporary struggles remind us of the very real fears and threats that come from being stalked.

Woven together with the care, creativity and impressive research that is the hallmark of this emotionally  charged and entertaining series, and seasoned with the alluring sensual (and culinary!) delights of shimmering, glimmering Skiathos, The Island Between Us is history, mystery and romance with a special sunshine glow!
(Vinci Books, paperback, £9.99)