If you’re into place-as-character in novels, The Islands is a must-read. Brugman blends some of the richest Australian place writing I’ve ever read with Finnish tradition and stories-within-stories. You can practically taste the salt air and the sea spray. Even if that’s not your jam, you’ll be drawn in by the close examination of the migrant journey – physical and emotional.

Read my full review of The Islands on Keeping Up With The Penguins.