
Fella and Grebe have grown up on an island, believing that the world beyond its shores is toxic and that the islanders are the lucky survivors of a cataclysmic disaster. And then Fella, an orphan, discovers a diary, hidden fifteen years ago by his mother - a woman who seemingly came from the Outside, from a world not run by the Officiate. This revelation seems incredible, but it gives the two friends hope that they can escape the brutality of their lives. Yet when, after a gripping chase, they manage to get off the island, what they discover is a shock. Not only is the Outside alien and frightening, it forces them to understand the appalling truth about where they have come from, and why they were there. An up-to-the-minute thriller about what makes us who we are.
The discovery of a hidden diary shatters the isolated existence of two orphans, forcing them to confront the reality of their controlled island home. Fella and Grebe live under the strict governance of the Officiate, believing the world beyond their shores is toxic. When Fella unearths his mother's long-buried journal, the narrative shifts from a static life of survival to a high-stakes escape attempt. The protagonists must navigate the physical dangers of the island and the psychological trauma of their origins as they seek the truth about the world outside.
Readers frequently highlight the effective tension built during the protagonists' escape from the island. Discussion often centers on the ethical implications of the Officiate's control and the nature of the characters' origins. Critics note the pacing shifts significantly once the characters leave their home, moving from a survival-focused narrative to a broader exploration of identity. The book is often cited for its focus on the psychological impact of living in a controlled, deceptive environment.
Page Count:
288
Publication Date:
2009-05-07
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192728431
ISBN-13:
9780192728432
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