The Island
The Island
Couldn't load pickup availability
'A moving and absorbing holiday read that pulls at the heartstrings' Evening Standard
The acclaimed million-copy number one bestseller and winner of Richard & Judy's Summer Read 2006. Victoria Hislop tells a dramatic tale of four generations, illicit love, violence and leprosy, from the thirties, through the war, to the present day.
On the brink of a life-changing decision, Alexis Fielding longs to find out about her mother's past. But Sofia has never spoken of it. All she admits to is growing up in a small Cretan village before moving to London. When Alexis decides to visit Crete, however, Sofia gives her daughter a letter to take to an old friend, and promises that through her she will learn more.
Arriving in Plaka, Alexis is astonished to see that it lies a stone's throw from the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga - Greece's former leper colony. Then she finds Fotini, and at last hears the story that Sofia has buried all her life: the tale of her great-grandmother Eleni and her daughters and a family rent by tragedy, war and passion.
She discovers how intimately she is connected with the island, and how secrecy holds them all in its powerful grip...
Praise for The Island. . .
'A vivid, moving and absorbing tale'
Observer
'Victoria Hislop . . . brings dignity and tenderness to her novel about lives blighted by leprosy'
Telegraph
'Wonderful descriptions, strong characters and an intimate portrait of island existence'
Woman & Home
'War, tragedy and passion unfurl against a Mediterranean backdrop in this engrossing debut novel'
You magazine
'Hislop's deep research, imagination and patent love of Crete creates a convincing portrait of times on the island'
Evening Standard
'A page-turning tale that reminds us that love and life continue in even the most extraordinary of circumstances'
Sunday Express
'A beautiful tale of enduring love and unthinking prejudice'
Express
Product features
Product features
✅ 100% Original Books
Every book is authentic and sourced responsibly—no pirated or photocopied material.
🔍 32-Point Quality Check
Each book undergoes a detailed inspection for pages, cover, binding, and readability.
📚 Wide Range of Genres
From fiction and self-help to academic and non-fiction—something for every reader.
💸 Budget-Friendly Prices
Get great books at unbeatable prices—perfect for students, readers, and collectors.
✨ Pre-Loved, Not Worn Out
Books are gently used, clean, and in good readable condition.
🌱 Eco-Friendly Choice
Buying used books helps reduce waste and promotes sustainable reading.
🚚 Pan-India Shipping
Fast, reliable delivery to every corner of India, with tracking and support.
💬 Customer Support
Responsive customer service to help with any order or book-related query.
Materials and care
Materials and care
📚 Materials
– Gently used, original print books.
– No photocopies or pirated prints—100% original.
– Checked for legibility and intact spines.
– Some books may contain light pencil notes or highlights.
🧼 Care Instructions
– Keep books away from moisture and direct sunlight.
– Use a bookmark to maintain page quality.
– Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe dust from covers.
– Preserve the pages and cover from smudges or stains.
– Prevent warping by storing books upright on shelves.
Merchandising tips
Merchandising tips
🛍️ Tips for Buying Used Books on BestofUsedBooks.com
✅ Check the Book Condition
Look for labels like “Like New,” “Good,” or “Readable” to know exactly what to expect before buying.
📚 Explore Curated Collections
Browse through themed bundles like “Top Self-Help Reads” or “Fiction Under ₹299”—perfect for discovering hidden gems.
💡 Read Descriptions Carefully
Each product page lists key details like page quality, binding condition, and possible markings—take a quick moment to review.
🎁 Buy More, Save More
Take advantage of bundle deals and discounted packs to build your library while saving big.
🌱 Choose Sustainability
Buying pre-loved books is a smart, eco-friendly choice—reduce waste and support circular reading!
🔍 Use Search & Filters
Use filters by genre, author, or condition to find exactly what you're looking for, faster.
📦 Track Your Order
Once placed, every order comes with trackable shipping—so you always know where your next read is!
Share
- 32 Points Quality Check
- 100% Original Products
- 1.2 Million + Happy Customers

Other Best Sellers
-
One indian girl by chetan bhagat
5.0 / 5.0
(2) 2 total reviews
Regular price Rs. 99.00Regular priceUnit price / perRs. 199.00Sale price Rs. 99.00Sale -
Eat that frog by Brian Tracy
5.0 / 5.0
(4) 4 total reviews
Regular price Rs. 99.00Regular priceUnit price / perRs. 199.00Sale price Rs. 99.00Sale -
The 7 habits of highly effective people by Stephen R.Covey
5.0 / 5.0
(2) 2 total reviews
Regular price Rs. 150.00Regular priceUnit price / perRs. 599.00Sale price Rs. 150.00Sale -
Do epic shit by Ankur Warikoo
5.0 / 5.0
(6) 6 total reviews
Regular price Rs. 150.00Regular priceUnit price / perRs. 399.00Sale price Rs. 150.00Sale -
Revolution 2020 by Chetan Bhagat
5.0 / 5.0
(1) 1 total reviews
Regular price Rs. 99.00Regular priceUnit price / perRs. 250.00Sale price Rs. 99.00Sale -
Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
3.33 / 5.0
(3) 3 total reviews
Regular price Rs. 299.00Regular priceUnit price / perRs. 599.00Sale price Rs. 299.00Sale -
Stay hungry stay foolish by rashmi bansal
5.0 / 5.0
(1) 1 total reviews
Regular price Rs. 99.00Regular priceUnit price / perRs. 150.00Sale price Rs. 99.00Sale -
Adultery by paulo coelho
Regular price Rs. 150.00Regular priceUnit price / perRs. 299.00Sale price Rs. 150.00Sale