Lighthouse Island by Paulette Jiles

I found this dystopian love story to be well-written and creatively imagined. Taking away nearly all the comforts of what a romance usually brings us, this book rests firmly on the shoulders of hope and longing, pushing the heroine to hold her vision of a beautiful future in every waking moment.

Tension is embedded in practically every moment as we go along on the adventure with Nadia, an orphan, as she refuses to give in to the desperation her world has become. Although young, she shows courage and forward thinking beyond her years, as she contemplates what it means to love and live in a world that shuns both.

I was impressed with Paulette Jiles' ability to weave emotion and stoicism in equal measure, with a bit of light humor now and again to remind the reader what she's fighting for - her humanity. I felt connected to these characters and applauded their tenacity after each setback. Although there were moments when the pacing slowed considerably, this was not an overwhelming issue. The idea that this story takes place in a time that doesn't mark years with calendars, or distances (or neighborhoods) with maps, makes the escape toward something better far more personal. If we can't measure a time or find a place, all we have left is our intuition. These plot devices bring readers much deeper into the story, allowing for an individual interpretation at every turn of the page.

I enjoyed this book, and I will search out more of Ms. Jiles' work; and I suggest you do, as well.