A Review By Lianna Iwanikiw 

Having been enthralled by the sheer vitality of ‘The Island’, I began ‘The Return’
feeling rather sceptical of whether Hislop’s second novel would be able to match up to her hugely-popular debut. However, once again, Victoria Hislop does not disappoint!
 
Fed up of her wearing marriage to ‘dusty’ James, Sonia Cameron arrives in Granada, Spain, hoping to be re-vitalised by the vibrant culture and her passion for dance. Once there, a chance conversation in the El Barril café opens Sonia’s eyes to the injustice and conflict that ravaged the land of her ancestors.
 

We are then transported back to the time of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930’s, where we meet the Ramirez family, the owners of the same café that Sonia finds herself in decades later. In particular, the novel focuses upon Mercedes, the youngest Ramirez child, as she grows up in the midst of a regime that threatens not only the stability of her country, but also that of her family, as it slowly begins to be torn apart …
 
A riveting tale of first love, culture and the conflict of a nation, ‘The Return’ is full of the same vibrancy and colourful imagery that, combined with a solid base of factual history, gained ‘The Island’ such acclaim with the critics. A wonderfully refreshing read, perfect for taking with you on holiday!