The island of dumb

Off the coast of Norway lies a small nameless island, which you can barely see on the map. On the whole island, there is only a lighthouse and a modest house of a caretaker. Young Arne Björnes, nicknamed the dumb, chose such a life for himself, simple and secluded. Seded by scars, closed, he himself looks like this rocky island, who did not want to be part of the mainland. But once a boat from the "Big Earth" brings a girl here ... So begins a family saga of two centuries, similar to "a hundred years of loneliness" with a Nordic color.
The island leaves its mark on everyone in the family of Björnes - it does not matter if they are looking for their fate in the big world or they like the light work of the lighthouse caretaker. In each generation there are those who are not afraid to be not like everyone else. Emil leaves his native island, taking with him only a shirt and a crust of bread. Sunniva writes a book that is ahead of its time. Arne and Vidar, risking life, help the Norwegian resistance movement in the war. Rashchil becomes a well -known artist throughout the country ... But time goes on - and will anyone need an old lighthouse in the twenty -first century?
The extremely localized story of one family becomes a reflection of the history of the whole country, as in the novel "Tree grows in Brooklyn" or in the books of John Steinbek. This is a parable, and at the same time tangible, living world that consists of bright details, whether it be a porcelain doll, a family portrait or an uncomplicated dessert, the recipe of which is transmitted from generation to generation. And the atmospheric and poetic narrative delays, like copyright cinema.
The Italian writer Guido Zhardoli (born in 1965) is the author of dozens of books for adults and children and a laureate of many awards. The Roman "Island of the Minema" received Andersen award in the nomination "Best Book for Readers from 15 years old" and included by the Munich International Children"s Library in the list of outstanding children"s books in the world "White Roofs"