Inside Isla by Liz Breen, is an impassioned tale following Isla, a suburban mother of two children who is living in a loving home as a writer. Inside Isla, as the title suggests, is a peek inside Isla’s life as she herself writes a novel about Gem Fallon, Isla’s fictional main character in the story she is writing. This emotionally charged women’s fiction story takes place in modern day London, where Isla is a busybody, navigating through the struggles of being a writer and a homemaker, raising children and keeping everything together at the same time.

This is a simple but poignant story of a writer experiencing the travails of life. While not filled with nail biting tension it is a delicately woven story that explores deeply emotional moments in life. The story slowly reveals Isla as a complex and stirring character that goes through an enthralling transformation.

At first glance, the pacing of the story is slow. Not only do we sit through Isla’s thoughts, her struggles with her kids, and a marriage that is falling apart, we also see the things, Isla’s main character Gem, is going through. Isla, our novelist, pours her soul into Gem. When she wants to escape her life, she sits and writes. Words flow through her fingers as Isla escapes into the world she has created. With her emotions, she breathes life into Gem. This methodical exploration of a writers life is compelling and provides a unique insight into a lifestyle few live.

My favorite parts of Inside Isla were when Isla would think about Gem, especially when she thinks about ending her own book and how she will have to part with her own characters, I love that, but I may be biased being a writer myself.

Inside Isla is an emotionally resonant book that invites readers into a personal story that feels authentic and meaningful.

Pages: 218 | ASIN: B091KVMGCJ