What do you think?
Rate this book
Grand Canary
Grand Canary is a novel by author A. J. Cronin, initially published in 1933. It tells the story of Dr. Harvey Leith, an English physician who is wrongfully blamed for the deaths of three patients and leaves his country in disgrace, ultimately finding redemption when thrust into the middle of a yellow fever epidemic in the Canary Islands.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1933
20 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Cronin
239 books488 followersArchibald Joseph Cronin was a Scottish novelist, dramatist, and non-fiction writer who was one of the most renowned storytellers of the twentieth century. His best-known works are The Citadel and The Keys of the Kingdom, both of which were made into Oscar-nominated films. He also created the Dr. Finlay character, the hero of a series of stories that served as the basis for the long-running BBC television and radio series entitled Dr. Finlay's Casebook.
-Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.J._Cronin
-Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.J._Cronin
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 13, 2023
AN AMAZING GROIP OF CHARACTERS THAT SHOW YOU HOW DIFFERENT PEOPLE CAN BE. THE MESSAGE CONVEYED IS WONDERFUL. THE BOOK IS MUCH BETTER THAN THE BOOK DESCRIPTIOM!
Standalones:
*The Keys of the Kingdom 5 stars
*The Stars Look Down 5 stars
*A Thing of Beauty 4 stars
*The Citadel 4 stars
*Adventures in Two Worlds 4 srats
(autobiography)
*The Judas Tree 4 stars
*The Spanish Gardener 4 stars
*Hatter's Castle 4 stars
*Beyond This Place TBR
*Three Loves  TBR
*The Northern Light TBR
*Vigil in the NightTBR
*Grand Canary TBR
Duologies:
1,The Green Years 5 stars
2.Shannon's Way 3 stars
--------------------
1.A Song of Sixpence 5 stars
2.A Pocketful of Rye 3 stars
Standalones:
*The Keys of the Kingdom 5 stars
*The Stars Look Down 5 stars
*A Thing of Beauty 4 stars
*The Citadel 4 stars
*Adventures in Two Worlds 4 srats
(autobiography)
*The Judas Tree 4 stars
*The Spanish Gardener 4 stars
*Hatter's Castle 4 stars
*Beyond This Place TBR
*Three Loves  TBR
*The Northern Light TBR
*Vigil in the NightTBR
*Grand Canary TBR
Duologies:
1,The Green Years 5 stars
2.Shannon's Way 3 stars
--------------------
1.A Song of Sixpence 5 stars
2.A Pocketful of Rye 3 stars
October 22, 2020
I think the reviewers have been somewhat unkind to this novel - considering that it was first published in 1933, and not in 1983 as the credits suggest. The language is dated: a 25-year old married woman is called a "girl" while her 32 year old divorced companion is called a "woman"; we hear of Turkey carpets and Monkey jackets and the word "queer" is bandied about freely without concern for political correctness.
And yet, these period inconsistencies aside, (isn't Shakespeare's language rather archaic, despite being cutting edge during his time?) Cronin spins an intriguing tale about a doctor's journey from mission and guilt, to love.
Dr. Harvey Leith beset with guilt and is fleeing a botched experiment that led to the deaths of patients in his care. He is boarded on a ship by a friend, bound for the Canary Islands, in the hope that some time at sea will clear his mind. Instead, he meets a motley crew of characters like him, all running away from some gap in their lives. Cronin is bold when he simulates and juxtaposes the accents of an English/Spanish cockney, an Irishman and Americans from Connecticut on board the sea voyage; at times the assault by dialects is difficult on the ear, especially when one of each of the above ethnicities are in a conversation together.
Harvey is beset by two women during the passage. The beautiful Lady Mary Fielding, wife of a rich landowner in the Canaries, and bored with her married life, harbours a premonition (or is it a recollection of a past life, we never know) that she has met Harvey somewhere. Counterbalancing Mary, is the religious Susan Tranter, who is willing to sacrifice her life for this tortured doctor whom she is deeply drawn to.
When the ship docks in Grand Canary, an epidemic of yellow fever binds the passengers closer, as Mary falls ill and Harvey is determined to save her, making one wonders if this desire is purely driven by love or by a need to redeem his past failures. The other characters circle to provide colour to the central conflict with their own side stories and experiences: Mama Hemingway and her bawdy house; ex-pugilist Jimmy Corcoran, the Irishman, dreaming of getting a new start on the islands by hook or by crook; Susan's weak evangelist brother Robert, falling for the fleeting charms of divorcee, Elissa Baynham, and ending up in Mama Hemingway's brothel - each landing where their character destines them.
The scenes are cleverly interwoven and constructed with tension and drama, making the reader want to read on. The omniscient third person narrative works very well here. There is a subtle clash of science with mysticism, and a hint of class elitism when the doctor (Harvey) and his volunteer nurse (Susan) interrupt their humanitarian work in the villages of Grand Canary, helping the locals deal with the epidemic, to nurse the sick Mary. I found the Tranter siblings a trifle melodramatic in their dramatic swings from ultra-religious to ultra sinful and ultra suicidal.
Cronin's descriptive powers are to be noted for their originality, especially when he describes his female characters: Mary - "the curve of her small breast...graceful like swallows in flight", and Mama Hemingway's quivering bosom was like "blancmange agitated by an earthquake!"
Like his suggestions of prescience, Cronin leaves his ending open ended: a whiff of freesia flowers, Mary's signature perfume, is all that we get when Harvey, on his return from his adventures in the Canaries, is thinking about whether Mary will leave her husband and come to him.
Cronin's novel at least wins in the category of "show, don't tell" - he seems to have mastered this aspect of his craft.
And yet, these period inconsistencies aside, (isn't Shakespeare's language rather archaic, despite being cutting edge during his time?) Cronin spins an intriguing tale about a doctor's journey from mission and guilt, to love.
Dr. Harvey Leith beset with guilt and is fleeing a botched experiment that led to the deaths of patients in his care. He is boarded on a ship by a friend, bound for the Canary Islands, in the hope that some time at sea will clear his mind. Instead, he meets a motley crew of characters like him, all running away from some gap in their lives. Cronin is bold when he simulates and juxtaposes the accents of an English/Spanish cockney, an Irishman and Americans from Connecticut on board the sea voyage; at times the assault by dialects is difficult on the ear, especially when one of each of the above ethnicities are in a conversation together.
Harvey is beset by two women during the passage. The beautiful Lady Mary Fielding, wife of a rich landowner in the Canaries, and bored with her married life, harbours a premonition (or is it a recollection of a past life, we never know) that she has met Harvey somewhere. Counterbalancing Mary, is the religious Susan Tranter, who is willing to sacrifice her life for this tortured doctor whom she is deeply drawn to.
When the ship docks in Grand Canary, an epidemic of yellow fever binds the passengers closer, as Mary falls ill and Harvey is determined to save her, making one wonders if this desire is purely driven by love or by a need to redeem his past failures. The other characters circle to provide colour to the central conflict with their own side stories and experiences: Mama Hemingway and her bawdy house; ex-pugilist Jimmy Corcoran, the Irishman, dreaming of getting a new start on the islands by hook or by crook; Susan's weak evangelist brother Robert, falling for the fleeting charms of divorcee, Elissa Baynham, and ending up in Mama Hemingway's brothel - each landing where their character destines them.
The scenes are cleverly interwoven and constructed with tension and drama, making the reader want to read on. The omniscient third person narrative works very well here. There is a subtle clash of science with mysticism, and a hint of class elitism when the doctor (Harvey) and his volunteer nurse (Susan) interrupt their humanitarian work in the villages of Grand Canary, helping the locals deal with the epidemic, to nurse the sick Mary. I found the Tranter siblings a trifle melodramatic in their dramatic swings from ultra-religious to ultra sinful and ultra suicidal.
Cronin's descriptive powers are to be noted for their originality, especially when he describes his female characters: Mary - "the curve of her small breast...graceful like swallows in flight", and Mama Hemingway's quivering bosom was like "blancmange agitated by an earthquake!"
Like his suggestions of prescience, Cronin leaves his ending open ended: a whiff of freesia flowers, Mary's signature perfume, is all that we get when Harvey, on his return from his adventures in the Canaries, is thinking about whether Mary will leave her husband and come to him.
Cronin's novel at least wins in the category of "show, don't tell" - he seems to have mastered this aspect of his craft.
November 30, 2015
I'm really mixed on this one. A.J.Cronin's writing is always five star to me so the pages flew past without a problem. And the story itself is intriguing enough. Basically, a doctor has a breakdown after losing three patients and is sent on a sea voyage to recover. He has a chance to prove himself once again when the islands succumb to yellow fever, including, devastatingly, a woman whom he has begun to love.
No, the story itself is good. But there are oddities here.
Religious fanatics who are too over the top to be believable, elements of dejavu with the h/h suggesting reincarnation, a Madame whose heart is larger than her moral compass, a rather cliched in-your-face jolly Irishman, and an almost comical fistfight that could only happen in Hollywood.
It's an odd book. Well written but odd. Probably would make a good, corny, black and white movie. It probably has.
CONTENT:
SEX: None shown to reader.
VIOLENCE: a fistfight
PROFANITY: Very mild
PARANORMAL ELEMENTS: Suggestions of dejavu and fate
MY RATING: PG
No, the story itself is good. But there are oddities here.
Religious fanatics who are too over the top to be believable, elements of dejavu with the h/h suggesting reincarnation, a Madame whose heart is larger than her moral compass, a rather cliched in-your-face jolly Irishman, and an almost comical fistfight that could only happen in Hollywood.
It's an odd book. Well written but odd. Probably would make a good, corny, black and white movie. It probably has.
CONTENT:
SEX: None shown to reader.
VIOLENCE: a fistfight
PROFANITY: Very mild
PARANORMAL ELEMENTS: Suggestions of dejavu and fate
MY RATING: PG
November 25, 2025
Третя книга Кроніна на рік- це було занадто і тому не змогла оцінити належним чином
А може просто вся ця історія виявилась не моєю : вона була якоюсь театральною: багато істерик, емоцій, освідчень і перепон і до того ж це було тааак передбачувано і закономірно
А може просто вся ця історія виявилась не моєю : вона була якоюсь театральною: багато істерик, емоцій, освідчень і перепон і до того ж це було тааак передбачувано і закономірно
August 22, 2023
3.5*
Archibald Joseph Cronin, škótsky lekár a spisovateľ, autor nemalého počtu realistických, spoločensky orientovaných románov, si ma vlani celkom podmanil svojim toxicko-depresívnym Klobučníkovým hradom - príbehom drsným, trýznivým, ba priam mučivým, no predsa výborným a v zobrazenej krutosti svojsky geniálnym -, preto nebolo vôbec prekvapivé, keď som siahla aj po jeho ďalšom románe, po knihe Labutí kaštieľ.
Tentokrát však nešlo o drastické zobrazenie osudov dysfunkčnej rodiny a príbeh neodvratného pádu či sebadeštrukcie, veru nie, pri Labuťom kaštieli sa Cronin vybral omnoho romantickejším, hoci do istej miery stále miestami tragickým smerom.
Pýtate sa či to fungovalo? Nuž, o čosi menej ako s klobučníkom (pokles dramatických okamihov bol značne citeľný a verte či nie, aj výraznejšia absencia nesympatických postáv dokáže rozhodiť), no tam, kde to Cronin prešvihol s melodrámou, volaním srdca či istým sentimentom, vynahradil to brilantným štýlom.
Pohral sa s otupujúcim alkoholizmom, pocitom krivdy i zžierajúcim hnevom, s nudou, nenaplnenosťou i túžbou vymaniť sa spod jarma spoločenských konvencií, respektíve okov, s neprajnosťou osudu i zákernou chorobou, no aj s akousi tichou, priam snovou nádejou, nenápadne sa zakrádajúcou okolitou negativitou.
Spájal ich jemne, citlivo, s prísľubom dôverného tajomna, no hoci si tak mnohé romantickejšie či sentimentálnejšie založené duše nepochybne získal, mne v knihe predsa len čosi chýbalo.
Nuž, Labutí kaštieľ je dielko príjemné, mimoriadne čtivé, no s ťažkým srdcom priznávam, že na Klobučníkov hrad sa, žiaľ, nechytá. Nevadí, za prečítanie aj napriek tomu stojí.
Archibald Joseph Cronin, škótsky lekár a spisovateľ, autor nemalého počtu realistických, spoločensky orientovaných románov, si ma vlani celkom podmanil svojim toxicko-depresívnym Klobučníkovým hradom - príbehom drsným, trýznivým, ba priam mučivým, no predsa výborným a v zobrazenej krutosti svojsky geniálnym -, preto nebolo vôbec prekvapivé, keď som siahla aj po jeho ďalšom románe, po knihe Labutí kaštieľ.
Tentokrát však nešlo o drastické zobrazenie osudov dysfunkčnej rodiny a príbeh neodvratného pádu či sebadeštrukcie, veru nie, pri Labuťom kaštieli sa Cronin vybral omnoho romantickejším, hoci do istej miery stále miestami tragickým smerom.
Pýtate sa či to fungovalo? Nuž, o čosi menej ako s klobučníkom (pokles dramatických okamihov bol značne citeľný a verte či nie, aj výraznejšia absencia nesympatických postáv dokáže rozhodiť), no tam, kde to Cronin prešvihol s melodrámou, volaním srdca či istým sentimentom, vynahradil to brilantným štýlom.
Pohral sa s otupujúcim alkoholizmom, pocitom krivdy i zžierajúcim hnevom, s nudou, nenaplnenosťou i túžbou vymaniť sa spod jarma spoločenských konvencií, respektíve okov, s neprajnosťou osudu i zákernou chorobou, no aj s akousi tichou, priam snovou nádejou, nenápadne sa zakrádajúcou okolitou negativitou.
Spájal ich jemne, citlivo, s prísľubom dôverného tajomna, no hoci si tak mnohé romantickejšie či sentimentálnejšie založené duše nepochybne získal, mne v knihe predsa len čosi chýbalo.
Nuž, Labutí kaštieľ je dielko príjemné, mimoriadne čtivé, no s ťažkým srdcom priznávam, že na Klobučníkov hrad sa, žiaľ, nechytá. Nevadí, za prečítanie aj napriek tomu stojí.
January 17, 2023
Un roman de dragoste. Personajul principal un medic suparat / deprimat / cazut in dizgratie, pleaca intr-un concediu, evident ajunge sa se indragosteasca si totul pare sa mearga prost dar... ( finalul nu il zic pentru a nu strica placerea celor care doresc sa citeasca aceasta carte )... pentru mine a fost extrem de plictisitoare.
Totul mi s-a parut ca se intampla intr-un ritm foarte lent si o atmosfera plictisitoare.
Totul mi s-a parut ca se intampla intr-un ritm foarte lent si o atmosfera plictisitoare.
November 22, 2025
4⭐️
1-2 Юдине дерево, Цитадель
3. Три любові
4. Ґран-Канарія
Не можу сказати, що роман зовсім не сподобався, бо це Кронін і це не так. Але сама історія, герої не знайшли такого відгуку в серці.
В основну любовну лінію я не вірю. Та й в житті це малоймовірно.
Закоханість проповідника в зрілу жінку. Можливо. Але надто різні світи. І коли для одного це розвага, інший не може вбачати в цьому щось серйозне.
Взагалі в романі багато любові. Та любові різної. Перша любов, самопожертва, віддана, бажання володіти та мати. І ніде нема щасливого кінця.
Ґран-Канарія як символ бажання щось змінити на краще.
1-2 Юдине дерево, Цитадель
3. Три любові
4. Ґран-Канарія
Не можу сказати, що роман зовсім не сподобався, бо це Кронін і це не так. Але сама історія, герої не знайшли такого відгуку в серці.
В основну любовну лінію я не вірю. Та й в житті це малоймовірно.
Закоханість проповідника в зрілу жінку. Можливо. Але надто різні світи. І коли для одного це розвага, інший не може вбачати в цьому щось серйозне.
Взагалі в романі багато любові. Та любові різної. Перша любов, самопожертва, віддана, бажання володіти та мати. І ніде нема щасливого кінця.
Ґран-Канарія як символ бажання щось змінити на краще.
July 9, 2025
Era da tanti anni che non prendevo in mano un libro di Cronin e adesso, complice la combinazione di aver trovato questo libro all'usato, mi sono nuovamente avvicinata a questo autore scozzese.
Pubblicato nel 1933 e dopo pochi anni già tradotto in italiano, Gran Canaria racconta la vicenda del dottor Harvey Leith, medico caduto in disgrazia a causa della morte di suoi tre pazienti per un farmaco da lui studiato e creato ma ancora in via sperimentale. La notizia di questo infelice avvenimento appare sul giornale e travolge la vita del dottore. Il dottor Leith, che ha da sempre un'infinita e cieca fiducia nella scienza, si ritrova così senza nessuna meta nel futuro e con i suoi sogni infranti: viene licenziato dall'ospedale, tutti gli amici gli voltano le spalle, si ritrova senza soldi e ha un crollo nervoso. Dopo questi avvenimenti cade nel vizio del bere con l'intento di punire e denigrare se stesso. L'unico amico che gli sta ancora vicino è un suo collega, Ismay che lo convince a compiere un viaggio di andata e ritorno alle Canarie per ritrovare la fiducia in se stesso e la voglia di ricominciare a vivere.
Il viaggio verso le Canarie si svolge sulla nave “Aurora”, un mercantile che fa la spola tra il Regno Unito e l'arcipelago spagnolo, qui il dottor Leith si ritrova in compagnia di altre persone. Nelle sue cabine, infatti, la nave ospita otto persone: il predicatore americano Robert Trantner, missionario che viaggia con lo scopo di evangelizzare le isole Canarie; accompagnato dalla bigotta sorella Susan, infermiera rigida ma altruista; Monna Lisa, una donna imponente di facili costumi e proprietaria di un bordello nell'isola più grande dell'arcipelago; Corcoran, un ex pugile irlandese, avventuriero un po' filosofo, bonaccione e fanfarone, che diverrà amico del dottor Leith; e poi ancora Lady Mary, la bella e giovane moglie di un ricco magnate inglese, che non ha mai conosciuto l'amore; la sua inseparabile amica Elsa Baynham, donna snob e annoiata, ma anche falsa e sarcastica; e infine Dibdin, detto Dibs, “cavalier servente” che farebbe di tutto per Elsa.
I vari passeggeri, diversi gli uni dagli altri, fanno fatica a legare tra di loro; in quanto costretti condividere il viaggio con altre persone e ad instaurare rapporti che si fanno via via sempre più complicati.
Gran Canaria è forse uno dei romanzi più conosciuti di Cronin, dopo quelli più famosi da cui sono stati tratti più volte film e anche sceneggiati TV. Volevo leggerlo anni fa ma in biblioteca non l'ho trovato e così questo titolo mi è passato di mente senza sapere bene il perché.
Gran Canaria racconta un viaggio in cui si incontrano e si scontrano una variegata ed eterogenea rappresentazione dell'umanità. È un romanzo di avventura, d'amore, di speranza e di riscatto; con una bella trama, ottime descrizioni e dialoghi, e uno stile – come ricordavo – incisivo, brillante, impeccabile; una bella narrazione in cui non manca una buona dose di humor, ironia bonaria che a tratti diviene sarcasmo graffiante.
Un libro ben scritto in cui l'autore trasmette con trasporto e fervore i suoi ideali di medico; che stupisce il lettore con parole semplici e mai banali o scontate e ancora una volta si rivela una grande conoscitore dell'animo umano grazie alla bella raffigurazione dei personaggi, anche se non tutti sono approfonditi a livello psicologico, ma sono molto simili alla realtà di oggi; personaggi in fuga da un vuoto nelle loro vite, in cui ognuno convive con i propri interessi, desideri e demoni. Quelli delineati meglio e che mi sono piaciuti di più sono il dottor Leyth e Susan Trantner, una donna a prima acchito antipatica, rigida e fredda ma che si rivela sinceramente innamorata del dottore; cerca di aiutarlo a non smarrire la retta via, si dona indefessamente agli altri ed è disposta a sacrificare anche la sua stessa vita per il bene altrui.
Gran Canaria è stata una lettura gradevole e intrigante in cui le pagine volano via senza problemi, (nonostante la traduzione antiquata degli anni trenta del secolo scorso con la maggior parte dei nomi italianizzati e tempi verbali scorretti), sino ad un finale un po' troppo aperto per i miei gusti.
La vita bisogna prenderla com'è, e non disprezzarla.
Pubblicato nel 1933 e dopo pochi anni già tradotto in italiano, Gran Canaria racconta la vicenda del dottor Harvey Leith, medico caduto in disgrazia a causa della morte di suoi tre pazienti per un farmaco da lui studiato e creato ma ancora in via sperimentale. La notizia di questo infelice avvenimento appare sul giornale e travolge la vita del dottore. Il dottor Leith, che ha da sempre un'infinita e cieca fiducia nella scienza, si ritrova così senza nessuna meta nel futuro e con i suoi sogni infranti: viene licenziato dall'ospedale, tutti gli amici gli voltano le spalle, si ritrova senza soldi e ha un crollo nervoso. Dopo questi avvenimenti cade nel vizio del bere con l'intento di punire e denigrare se stesso. L'unico amico che gli sta ancora vicino è un suo collega, Ismay che lo convince a compiere un viaggio di andata e ritorno alle Canarie per ritrovare la fiducia in se stesso e la voglia di ricominciare a vivere.
Il viaggio verso le Canarie si svolge sulla nave “Aurora”, un mercantile che fa la spola tra il Regno Unito e l'arcipelago spagnolo, qui il dottor Leith si ritrova in compagnia di altre persone. Nelle sue cabine, infatti, la nave ospita otto persone: il predicatore americano Robert Trantner, missionario che viaggia con lo scopo di evangelizzare le isole Canarie; accompagnato dalla bigotta sorella Susan, infermiera rigida ma altruista; Monna Lisa, una donna imponente di facili costumi e proprietaria di un bordello nell'isola più grande dell'arcipelago; Corcoran, un ex pugile irlandese, avventuriero un po' filosofo, bonaccione e fanfarone, che diverrà amico del dottor Leith; e poi ancora Lady Mary, la bella e giovane moglie di un ricco magnate inglese, che non ha mai conosciuto l'amore; la sua inseparabile amica Elsa Baynham, donna snob e annoiata, ma anche falsa e sarcastica; e infine Dibdin, detto Dibs, “cavalier servente” che farebbe di tutto per Elsa.
I vari passeggeri, diversi gli uni dagli altri, fanno fatica a legare tra di loro; in quanto costretti condividere il viaggio con altre persone e ad instaurare rapporti che si fanno via via sempre più complicati.
Gran Canaria è forse uno dei romanzi più conosciuti di Cronin, dopo quelli più famosi da cui sono stati tratti più volte film e anche sceneggiati TV. Volevo leggerlo anni fa ma in biblioteca non l'ho trovato e così questo titolo mi è passato di mente senza sapere bene il perché.
Gran Canaria racconta un viaggio in cui si incontrano e si scontrano una variegata ed eterogenea rappresentazione dell'umanità. È un romanzo di avventura, d'amore, di speranza e di riscatto; con una bella trama, ottime descrizioni e dialoghi, e uno stile – come ricordavo – incisivo, brillante, impeccabile; una bella narrazione in cui non manca una buona dose di humor, ironia bonaria che a tratti diviene sarcasmo graffiante.
Un libro ben scritto in cui l'autore trasmette con trasporto e fervore i suoi ideali di medico; che stupisce il lettore con parole semplici e mai banali o scontate e ancora una volta si rivela una grande conoscitore dell'animo umano grazie alla bella raffigurazione dei personaggi, anche se non tutti sono approfonditi a livello psicologico, ma sono molto simili alla realtà di oggi; personaggi in fuga da un vuoto nelle loro vite, in cui ognuno convive con i propri interessi, desideri e demoni. Quelli delineati meglio e che mi sono piaciuti di più sono il dottor Leyth e Susan Trantner, una donna a prima acchito antipatica, rigida e fredda ma che si rivela sinceramente innamorata del dottore; cerca di aiutarlo a non smarrire la retta via, si dona indefessamente agli altri ed è disposta a sacrificare anche la sua stessa vita per il bene altrui.
Gran Canaria è stata una lettura gradevole e intrigante in cui le pagine volano via senza problemi, (nonostante la traduzione antiquata degli anni trenta del secolo scorso con la maggior parte dei nomi italianizzati e tempi verbali scorretti), sino ad un finale un po' troppo aperto per i miei gusti.
La vita bisogna prenderla com'è, e non disprezzarla.
November 21, 2025
Доволі жива і яскрава історія, з легенькими ниточками магічного реалізму, не дуже притаманна переважно похмурому автору.
Хтозна чого тут більше, нереально гарної і непердбачуваної природи Канарських островів, які автор явно змалював з власного досвіду подорожей чи колоритних персонажів, кожного зі своїм бекграундом.
Перша половина, по суті зав'язка історії, пройшла в доволі герметичній атмосфері кораблика "Оріон", де іноді, здавалось, що серед пасажирів бракує одного вусатого бельгійця)
Але як і туманність Оріона, так і почуття кожного персонажа, стають видимі лише на фоні кристально чистого нічного неба.
А от в другій частині ми вже у всій красі спостерігаємо розв'язок драми душі кожного з наших героїв. І цього разу роль судді і присяжних Кронін залишає кожному з нас.
Хтозна чого тут більше, нереально гарної і непердбачуваної природи Канарських островів, які автор явно змалював з власного досвіду подорожей чи колоритних персонажів, кожного зі своїм бекграундом.
Перша половина, по суті зав'язка історії, пройшла в доволі герметичній атмосфері кораблика "Оріон", де іноді, здавалось, що серед пасажирів бракує одного вусатого бельгійця)
Але як і туманність Оріона, так і почуття кожного персонажа, стають видимі лише на фоні кристально чистого нічного неба.
А от в другій частині ми вже у всій красі спостерігаємо розв'язок драми душі кожного з наших героїв. І цього разу роль судді і присяжних Кронін залишає кожному з нас.
June 7, 2018
Not immpressed
I did not enjoy this book at all. Cronin is one of my favourite authors but this was too verbose and flowery. I guess he tried to do something different but it doesn't work for me. He tries to emphasize certain words by repeating them two or three times but this got increasingly aggravating. My geography might be wrong but as all of the action was in Tenerife ? why call the novel Grand Canary?
I did not enjoy this book at all. Cronin is one of my favourite authors but this was too verbose and flowery. I guess he tried to do something different but it doesn't work for me. He tries to emphasize certain words by repeating them two or three times but this got increasingly aggravating. My geography might be wrong but as all of the action was in Tenerife ? why call the novel Grand Canary?
November 5, 2012
His writing style remains fluid and faultless but the content is devoid of substance. A novel without a plot is insipid to a literary gourmand. I tortured myself through this and at all times wanted to murder the so called heroine of the novel. At least that would have livened things up a bit!
September 20, 2015
I love AJ Cronin but this one was pretty crap..
July 29, 2024
Romanzo d'amore e d'avventura in cui i personaggi si incontrano in un viaggio in nave ed incrociano i loro destini, alcuni irrimediabilmente. Alcuni di essi subiscono uno sviluppo caratteriale, altri, più di contorno, restano quelli che sono.
Il sogno di Mary (una visione? Una profezia? Non è dato sapere) si materializza e Harvey Leith, il protagonista, pur senza gesti eroici (alla fine l'unica malata di febbre gialla che salva è Mary) cambia prospettiva e diventa un uomo migliore. C'è chi riceve una giusta ricompensa per la sua limpidezza (Corcoran) e chi resta una macchietta ridicola (Robert) o triste (Susanna).
L'edizione dell'epoca fascista ha tutta la pesantezza linguistica dell'epoca ma non scalfisce il genio letterario di Cronin che è un grande narratore di romanzi epici, anche quando sono più contenuti come questo.
Il sogno di Mary (una visione? Una profezia? Non è dato sapere) si materializza e Harvey Leith, il protagonista, pur senza gesti eroici (alla fine l'unica malata di febbre gialla che salva è Mary) cambia prospettiva e diventa un uomo migliore. C'è chi riceve una giusta ricompensa per la sua limpidezza (Corcoran) e chi resta una macchietta ridicola (Robert) o triste (Susanna).
L'edizione dell'epoca fascista ha tutta la pesantezza linguistica dell'epoca ma non scalfisce il genio letterario di Cronin che è un grande narratore di romanzi epici, anche quando sono più contenuti come questo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
Representación racializada e incorrecta de las islas canarias. Pone el Teide en Gran Canaria y Telde en Tenerife.
August 14, 2019
A bit too sweepingly romantic for me. Some characters felt very one dimensional.
August 11, 2019
A fluid writing style, but a very simple narativ thread. It’s a good book to read when you travel.
I had the feeling that the author want so bad to write something intresthing, but unfortunately it wasn’t the case. For example the final, or the so called paranormal activity: the old crazy woman, the deja-vu feeling. At least was a pretty decent book, that didn’t annoy me like others.
I had the feeling that the author want so bad to write something intresthing, but unfortunately it wasn’t the case. For example the final, or the so called paranormal activity: the old crazy woman, the deja-vu feeling. At least was a pretty decent book, that didn’t annoy me like others.
July 31, 2019
Since I'm almost done with the book Three Loves,I'm going to review the other three books,already read,to add them to the list of Cronin's works. Giving the fact that the main protagonist is,again, a doctor,I was afraid that I would stuck with a clone of his previous work, The Citadel,but,amazingly,that wasn't a case. The main theme revolves around redemption and seeking fulfillment of a life,first in something and than in someone. Although not the best work,in my personal opinion,I remembered one quote that I just can't get out of my head. It has to do with one of the side plots,but is intended for the protagonist:
You may not love me now,but,with the time,you could fall in love with me.
What he decides,after that,will have great impact. I won't ruin the plot or the outcome,since this book may offer something for everyone,because of the great number of side characters,each with their own interests,desires and demons. Most importantly,each of them contribute to the story,as some chapters have their own stations to stop,before continuing the journey. I'm,probably, going to review The Keys of the Kingdom on Friday,so, until then, I wish you all a pleasant day
You may not love me now,but,with the time,you could fall in love with me.
What he decides,after that,will have great impact. I won't ruin the plot or the outcome,since this book may offer something for everyone,because of the great number of side characters,each with their own interests,desires and demons. Most importantly,each of them contribute to the story,as some chapters have their own stations to stop,before continuing the journey. I'm,probably, going to review The Keys of the Kingdom on Friday,so, until then, I wish you all a pleasant day
May 2, 2014
No puedo destacar la historia, que me parece muy inverosímil, cadena amorosa, amores ¿imposibles?, desde mi punto de vista no existen cosas imposibles, este libro enseña a resignarse ante aquello que supuesta mente esta fuera de tu dominio. Si amas a alguien y eres correspondido, no se supone que debes estar juntos?, simplemente una mala TELENOVELA, los amantes deben ser amantes eternos y no sufrir por la separación terrenal, la historia no me agrado. Agrego una estrella mas por estar bien escrito lo cual ayudo al letargo que entrega la novela.
May 9, 2018
This is a 1930's style beach book. I read Keys of the Kingdom, then read The Citadel. I am on a sort of A.J. Cronin kick so thought why not try some of his earlier works?
This is kind of like a grade B- 1930s movie. Dialogue is overly melodramatic; characters not well drawn. Plot is entirely predictable. Not really worth wasting your time on. Very dated. On to greener pastures with Dr. Finlay's Casebook and the Green Years.
This is kind of like a grade B- 1930s movie. Dialogue is overly melodramatic; characters not well drawn. Plot is entirely predictable. Not really worth wasting your time on. Very dated. On to greener pastures with Dr. Finlay's Casebook and the Green Years.
April 14, 2023
Cronin siempre sorprende con sus novelas, la novela gira en torno a un medico que abandona Inglaterra y viaja a las islas canarias donde encuentra la epidemia de la fiebre amarilla. una lectura agradable
October 26, 2015
It's so wonderful. I came about a year ago from that part of the world and reading this book seem so real, so attached of that reality.
February 20, 2015
Rigtig underholdende, lidt gammeldags, men hyggeligt med sejltur og Tenerife, gode beskrivelse af følelser
October 21, 2021
Se mai simţea încă ameţit de băutură atunci când ieşi din vagonul de dormit şi, împreună cu Ismay, porni de-a lungul peronului înspre biroul de bagaje. Purta încă povara acelei amărăciuni care, asemenea unei substanţe corozive, îl rosese ― beat sau treaz ― în ultimele trei săptămâni. Peronul se legăna uşor sub paşii lui; semiîntunericul rece al dimineţii, care umplea bolţile înalte ale gării, se îngrămădea în jurul lui ca o ceaţă densă pe mare. Nu vedea nimic. Mergea automat ca un om adormit. La un moment dat se opri.
― Un cufăr de voiaj, îl auzi pe Ismay explicând, adus de la trenul din Londra, pe numele Leith.
Funcţionarul scoase creionul de după ureche şi parcurse lista.
― A fost înregistrat pentru Aureola, răspunse el. Exact. Omul de la agenţia Slade a şi venit.
Apoi strigă fără să întoarcă măcar capul:
― Slade!
Un om cu faţa brăzdată se grăbi spre el. Avea un carnet de chitanţe prins de haina de culoare bej. Salută ducând degetul la chipiul cu insignă aurită.
― Domnul doctor Leith; da, domnule. Lăsaţi totul în seama mea. Mă veţi găsi cu bagajele dumneavoastră pe Cheiul Princess, la orele 10 fix. Să vă dau chitanţa.
Mâzgăli ceva pe o foaie albastră, o rupse neglijent şi, după ce se uită nehotărât de la unul la altul, în cele din urmă o întinse lui Ismay.
― Semnaţi aici, domnule. Nu, aici unde vă arăt, vă rog. Cu unghia îngălbenită de tutun trase apăsat un semn pe hârtia boţită. Mai aveţi şi altceva?
Ismay clătină din cap şi se întoarse nehotărât ca să-i înmâneze lui Leith chitanţa. Dar se răzgândi. Şi în timp ce semna cu grijă „H. Leith”, se adresă hamalului:
― Sunt mulţi călători?
― Opt în cursa asta, domnule. Toate cabinele sunt ocupate. O afacere bună pentru agenţia Slade Brothers ― da, foarte bună, domnule.
Judecând după satisfacţia acestui umil slujbaş ai fi zis că omul era cel puţin acţionarul principal al companiei. Apoi, cu un aer de proprietar, rosti pompos:
― Se află printre călători şi Lady Fielding împreună cu invitaţii ei.
Leith asculta cu o figură indiferentă, dar îşi frământa mâinile nervos în buzunarele trendului. Un fior îl cuprinse; trecuse de la baia de aburi din compartimentul de tren pe peron, unde era frig şi curent. Nu dormise deloc; îşi simţea capul greu; scrâşnetul brusc al unei locomotive care se puse în mişcare îi pricinui un spasm nervos în obrazul stâng.
― Un cufăr de voiaj, îl auzi pe Ismay explicând, adus de la trenul din Londra, pe numele Leith.
Funcţionarul scoase creionul de după ureche şi parcurse lista.
― A fost înregistrat pentru Aureola, răspunse el. Exact. Omul de la agenţia Slade a şi venit.
Apoi strigă fără să întoarcă măcar capul:
― Slade!
Un om cu faţa brăzdată se grăbi spre el. Avea un carnet de chitanţe prins de haina de culoare bej. Salută ducând degetul la chipiul cu insignă aurită.
― Domnul doctor Leith; da, domnule. Lăsaţi totul în seama mea. Mă veţi găsi cu bagajele dumneavoastră pe Cheiul Princess, la orele 10 fix. Să vă dau chitanţa.
Mâzgăli ceva pe o foaie albastră, o rupse neglijent şi, după ce se uită nehotărât de la unul la altul, în cele din urmă o întinse lui Ismay.
― Semnaţi aici, domnule. Nu, aici unde vă arăt, vă rog. Cu unghia îngălbenită de tutun trase apăsat un semn pe hârtia boţită. Mai aveţi şi altceva?
Ismay clătină din cap şi se întoarse nehotărât ca să-i înmâneze lui Leith chitanţa. Dar se răzgândi. Şi în timp ce semna cu grijă „H. Leith”, se adresă hamalului:
― Sunt mulţi călători?
― Opt în cursa asta, domnule. Toate cabinele sunt ocupate. O afacere bună pentru agenţia Slade Brothers ― da, foarte bună, domnule.
Judecând după satisfacţia acestui umil slujbaş ai fi zis că omul era cel puţin acţionarul principal al companiei. Apoi, cu un aer de proprietar, rosti pompos:
― Se află printre călători şi Lady Fielding împreună cu invitaţii ei.
Leith asculta cu o figură indiferentă, dar îşi frământa mâinile nervos în buzunarele trendului. Un fior îl cuprinse; trecuse de la baia de aburi din compartimentul de tren pe peron, unde era frig şi curent. Nu dormise deloc; îşi simţea capul greu; scrâşnetul brusc al unei locomotive care se puse în mişcare îi pricinui un spasm nervos în obrazul stâng.
January 8, 2024
I almost stop reading this one. The intro alone made me put this book on my night stand and forget about it for an entire year. But I wanted to give it another try. And? It is an actually amazing book with an awful intro? Did you find an amazing hidden story ? Well.... no. It is too romantic for me(an unrealistic type of romance), the events happened way too conveniently and some characters don't have enough charcter to keep you going. For me it feels like a cheesy soap opera. In some parts it works in others not. I thought is going to be two lovers finding themselves on some nice tropical beach. Well not really.
The main characters do get on an exotic island which is hit by some kind of virus that kills people. It is rather a bad view of a beautiful island. It isn't that tragic but isn't cheerful either. It has drama because you need drama in a soap opera right. The main character, the doctor has some character arc but the girl he falls in love with.... not so really. She stays the same for the whole book. And their love chemistry just kinda happens like that.
I don't know if you like some soap opera this is for you. I will not spoil anything maybe you will like it. If you mange to pass the begging. I think it is the worse. Is dull is dark it presents its main characters in the worst way possible that I didn't like any of them. But if you manage through maybe you will find some interesting ones. I know I did.
The main characters do get on an exotic island which is hit by some kind of virus that kills people. It is rather a bad view of a beautiful island. It isn't that tragic but isn't cheerful either. It has drama because you need drama in a soap opera right. The main character, the doctor has some character arc but the girl he falls in love with.... not so really. She stays the same for the whole book. And their love chemistry just kinda happens like that.
I don't know if you like some soap opera this is for you. I will not spoil anything maybe you will like it. If you mange to pass the begging. I think it is the worse. Is dull is dark it presents its main characters in the worst way possible that I didn't like any of them. But if you manage through maybe you will find some interesting ones. I know I did.
September 9, 2025
DNF @ 72%.
This story is so..... BORING! Eventless and drab.
I reached chapter 22/30 in 5 MONTHS just cuz it was the polar opposite of a page turner. It's a small novel, barely passing 318 pages, yet it was such a slog to get to 230. ;[
First off aside from Joe Corcoran, the ex boxer, none of the characters here are even a smidge compelling; Harvey doesn't even qualify since he's a headless chicken.
Hell! Everyone here is just a headless chicken that have things happen to them. No one does anything or comes to any decision about anything. The yellow fever just happens upon them cuz they were in the area, how convenient.
I can see why people give this one a lower rating. It's an absolutely nothing novel. Just a mish mash of ideas and characters strewn together very flimsily.
I complained to my mom, who recommended me read the novel when I was younger - around 14 or so - and told her how I'm at 72 % and I can't be asked to continue. I'd take some 2 more months to finish the rest. She advised me to let the book be if I'm struggling with it and she sounded a tad disappointed that I didn't like it.
I read a lot of novels. This one was NOT engaging.
This story is so..... BORING! Eventless and drab.
I reached chapter 22/30 in 5 MONTHS just cuz it was the polar opposite of a page turner. It's a small novel, barely passing 318 pages, yet it was such a slog to get to 230. ;[
First off aside from Joe Corcoran, the ex boxer, none of the characters here are even a smidge compelling; Harvey doesn't even qualify since he's a headless chicken.
Hell! Everyone here is just a headless chicken that have things happen to them. No one does anything or comes to any decision about anything. The yellow fever just happens upon them cuz they were in the area, how convenient.
I can see why people give this one a lower rating. It's an absolutely nothing novel. Just a mish mash of ideas and characters strewn together very flimsily.
I complained to my mom, who recommended me read the novel when I was younger - around 14 or so - and told her how I'm at 72 % and I can't be asked to continue. I'd take some 2 more months to finish the rest. She advised me to let the book be if I'm struggling with it and she sounded a tad disappointed that I didn't like it.
I read a lot of novels. This one was NOT engaging.
June 9, 2024
I’m biased since I bought this English book, set mostly in Spanish Territory, in the South of France during a trip to Barcelona. For that vacation, paired with my affinity for older novels, I couldn’t have hoped to find a better read at ‘Le Bookshop.’
My first but not last Cronin novel, has powerful descriptors that give a great look at the setting and time period as well as some complex characters in their own struggles and pursuits. While not perfect, it was a perfect find for me at the right time.
My first but not last Cronin novel, has powerful descriptors that give a great look at the setting and time period as well as some complex characters in their own struggles and pursuits. While not perfect, it was a perfect find for me at the right time.
March 24, 2020
**3.9**
January 25, 2023
Am sa ii dau 3 stele, a fost mai vie decat ultima carte citita. Nu e wow, dar e draguta. Imi place mult aluzia la lucrurile care nu pot fi explicate. Eu nu cred in coincidente oricum.
December 2, 2025
Lovely love story in unique setting, with interesting characters, sense of adventure, and surprise ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews