Review of The Island of Last Things by John R. Montgomery
Sometimes, a book catches your eye for reasons that go beyond its cover, and The Island of Last Things by John R. Montgomery did just that for me. The premise—a dystopian world where animals have become rare treasures—sparked my curiosity. As a lover of both literature and wildlife, I found myself intrigued by how Montgomery would weave these themes together. What I didn’t expect was the profound emotional journey I would embark on with the characters, Camille and Sailor, who brought the story to life against the eerie backdrop of Alcatraz Zoo.
From the outset, the novel paints a stark picture of a world ravaged by mass extinctions. The stark setting of Alcatraz transforms from infamous prison to a sanctuary for a handful of remaining animals, revealing beautiful layers of desperation and hope. Camille embodies the rigidity of survival; raised in the zoo’s confines, she’s become adept at following rules to care for the animals entrusted to her. Here is where my heart connected with her story—her dedication, shaped by past loss, serves as both her strength and her limitation. In contrast, Sailor, the new and rebellious keeper with a rich history, brings a refreshing spark of innovation. Her perspective pushes Camille towards questioning the status quo, and their evolving friendship becomes the heart of the narrative.
The book effectively explores themes of friendship, rebellion, and the moral complexities of care versus control. Montgomery doesn’t shy away from the darker realities of animal dealers and shadowy trade; the stakes for both the animals and the keepers feel palpable and urgent. The minimalistic world-building may leave some readers yearning for more details about the greater society, but I found it to be an intentional choice that focused our attention on the core relationship between Camille and Sailor. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling stories don’t need to explain everything—they simply need to delve into the heart of their characters.
Montgomery’s writing style is crisp and evocative, immersing readers in the stark atmosphere of Alcatraz with a few choice words. There are moments that spark laughter amidst the tension, especially in Sailor’s imaginative endeavors—like her “Bleat and Greet” program, which had me grinning as I visualized a flamingo and porcupine mingling together. The juxtaposition of mundane zoo life with the thrill of rebellion contributes to a narrative rhythm that makes it hard to put the book down.
One standout quote that resonated with me was Sailor’s reflection on freedom: “What does it mean to truly live if you’re caged, even in the name of safety?” It encapsulates the book’s essence—challenging readers to consider the boundaries we accept in the name of security.
If you’re drawn to stories that explore the intricacies of friendship within dystopian narratives, The Island of Last Things is a must-read. It will engage those who appreciate character-driven plots and the moral quandaries faced when human desires clash with the natural world. When I closed the book, I felt challenged yet hopeful, reflecting on the lengths one might go to save what we cherish most in a world that seems intent on erasing it. Montgomery reminds us through Camille and Sailor’s journey that rebellion isn’t just about breaking rules; it’s about fostering compassion and understanding in the face of despair.
Discover more about The Island of Last Things on GoodReads >>