In 1792, formerly enslaved Benjamin Honey and his Irish wife, Patience, find refuge and build a life on an isolated island. Over a century later, their descendants and a diverse community face poverty and isolation, yet are shielded from the mainland's hostility. The fragile balance is disrupted in 1912 by Matthew Diamond, a retired schoolteacher-turned-missionary, whose efforts to educate the children attract the attention of mainland authorities. Influenced by eugenics, they decide to forcibly evacuate the island, institutionalize its residents, and transform it into a vacation destination. This powerful novel explores themes of resistance, survival, and the struggle for human dignity.

Why You Should Read?

• Discover a compelling historical narrative inspired by real events, exploring themes of community, prejudice, and resilience.
• Experience Paul Harding's breathtaking prose, bringing to life an unforgettable cast of characters and their fight for dignity.
• Gain insight into a lesser-known chapter of American history, touching upon the Civil War era and the eugenics movement.
• Engage with a story that begins with a hurricane flood reminiscent of Noah's Ark and concludes with another symbolic ark, offering a powerful message of survival.

About the Author

Paul Harding is an American novelist. He won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his debut novel, Tinkers. His work often explores themes of family, memory, and the natural world, rendered with lyrical and evocative prose. Harding's writing is celebrated for its profound emotional depth and intricate storytelling, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary American literature.