10 Books Written on Islands: Iconic Stories Crafted in Solitude

Famous Books Written in Island Sanctuaries

Islands have long been sanctuaries for writers seeking tranquility and inspiration. These secluded havens, surrounded by the rhythmic sound of waves and the vastness of the sea, have nurtured some of the most iconic literary works. In this article, we highlight writers who penned their masterpieces while living on islands, letting the solitude and beauty fuel their creativity.

1. "1984" by George Orwell

George Orwell completed his landmark dystopian novel 1984 while living on the remote Scottish island of Jura from 1946 to 1949. Seeking solitude to concentrate on his writing, Orwell moved to Barnhill, a modest farmhouse perched on the island’s northern tip. The house was so isolated that supplies had to be delivered by boat, and the nearest village was miles away over rough terrain. Despite battling severe tuberculosis, Orwell’s resolve was unshaken. He worked tirelessly, often writing through excruciating bouts of illness. Jura’s stark, rugged beauty—the dramatic coastline, moody skies, and desolate hills—served as an apt backdrop for Orwell’s vision of a bleak, totalitarian future. Once, while on Jura, Orwell survived a near-fatal boating accident, adding yet another layer to his time on the island.

Jura itself is part of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, a haven for those seeking raw, unspoiled wilderness. With its iconic Paps of Jura mountains, abundant wildlife including red deer and eagles, and a population of just a few hundred, the island offers unparalleled tranquility. It’s a place where nature reigns supreme, its silence broken only by the wind and waves.

Orwell wrote 1984 at Barnhill, which remains a private residence. While the interior is off-limits, visitors can hike the surrounding trails and view the exterior, immersing themselves in the remote beauty that inspired Orwell's final, most enduring masterpiece.

‍2. "Ulysses" by James Joyce

James Joyce worked on parts of his groundbreaking modernist novel Ulysses while living on Torcello, a serene island in the Venetian Lagoon, in 1913. Seeking refuge from the distractions of mainland life, Joyce retreated to this sparsely populated island to focus on the intricacies of his narrative. Torcello’s tranquil atmosphere, dotted with ancient churches and overgrown gardens, offered him the peace and clarity to experiment with his stream-of-consciousness technique. Joyce’s time on the island wasn’t without hardship—he often struggled financially and battled eye problems that made writing excruciatingly difficult. Still, his dedication prevailed. Joyce once remarked to a friend that the stillness of Torcello seemed to slow time itself, allowing him to immerse himself in the sprawling details of Ulysses.

Torcello is one of the oldest and quietest islands in the Venetian Lagoon, known for its rich history and sparse population. The island is home to the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta and offers an escape into a timeless world, away from Venice’s bustling crowds.

Joyce’s work on Ulysses took place in a small rental property near the island’s ancient ruins. While the exact residence no longer exists, visitors can walk through Torcello’s atmospheric landscapes, imagining the serene environment that shaped Joyce’s literary innovations.

‍3. "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway wrote his Pulitzer Prize-winning novella The Old Man and the Sea while living at Finca Vigía, his idyllic home on the outskirts of Havana, Cuba, in the early 1950s. The novella, inspired by Hemingway’s fishing excursions in the Gulf Stream and his friendship with local fishermen, took shape during his daily writing sessions at a modest desk overlooking his estate’s lush gardens. Hemingway’s connection to the sea ran deep; he often fished aboard his boat, the Pilar, off the Cuban coast. Despite his failing health and growing frustrations with fame, Hemingway poured his heart into this story of resilience and human dignity. He once joked with a friend that Santiago’s epic struggle with the marlin mirrored his own battle with the blank page.

Finca Vigía, meaning “Lookout Farm,” is a charming estate perched on a hill outside Havana. Surrounded by tropical foliage and vibrant birdsong, the property exudes the tranquility Hemingway cherished. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Hemingway wrote much of The Old Man and the Sea in a tower room at Finca Vigía. Visitors to the museum can view this preserved workspace, complete with his typewriter and fishing trophies, and imagine the creative energy that fueled one of his greatest works.

4. "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is believed to have written The Tempest while staying on the Isle of Wight, England, around 1610. This maritime island, with its sweeping coastal views and maritime culture, provided the perfect setting for the bard to craft his tale of shipwrecks, magic, and transformation. The island’s remote charm and proximity to the English Channel likely inspired the play’s vivid depictions of isolation and self-discovery. Shakespeare’s time on the Isle of Wight also reflected his fascination with new ideas about exploration and colonization, themes subtly woven into the play. Legend has it that Shakespeare, known for his playful wit, once referred to the Isle of Wight as his “tempestuous retreat” during a letter to a contemporary.

The Isle of Wight is a picturesque island in the English Channel, celebrated for its rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and quaint villages. It has been a haven for artists, writers, and royalty for centuries, offering both inspiration and respite.

Shakespeare is thought to have worked on The Tempest in a small coastal cottage near Ventnor, though the exact location remains a mystery. Visitors can explore the island’s scenic coastline, imagining the views that inspired one of the bard’s most enchanting plays.

5. "The Master of Ballantrae" by Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote The Master of Ballantrae while living on the island of Upolu in Samoa during the late 1880s. After settling in Vailima, a plantation-style estate on the island, Stevenson found the peace he craved to develop this gripping tale of family rivalry, betrayal, and adventure. Samoa’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture influenced Stevenson’s storytelling, adding depth to his depiction of human resilience and moral conflict. Despite his fragile health, Stevenson worked diligently, often dictating passages to his wife or stepdaughter during tropical storms. Known to the locals as "Tusitala" (the teller of tales), Stevenson once quipped that Samoa’s dramatic skies and verdant hills seemed to narrate stories of their own.

Upolu, one of Samoa’s main islands, is a tropical paradise characterized by cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches, and dense rainforests. It remains a beloved destination for its unspoiled beauty and welcoming communities.

Stevenson completed much of the novel at Vailima, which is now preserved as the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. Visitors can tour the estate, view his writing desk, and wander the gardens that offered him inspiration.

6. "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley began writing Frankenstein in the summer of 1816 while staying on a small island retreat on Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Known as "the year without a summer" due to a volcanic eruption that disrupted weather patterns, the gloomy setting profoundly influenced Shelley’s imagination. Sheltered in a villa with Lord Byron and her future husband Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary retreated to the island to develop the story that would become her Gothic masterpiece. Isolated by the lake’s dark waters, she envisioned the tragic figure of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Shelley later remarked that the island’s eerie silence felt as though nature itself was mourning the tale she was weaving.

Lake Geneva is one of Europe’s most picturesque regions, bordered by the Swiss Alps and dotted with idyllic islands. Its serene beauty contrasts sharply with the dark themes of Shelley’s novel, adding to its mystique.

Shelley’s time on Lake Geneva included visits to a small island near the villa. While not open for public tours, the surrounding lake and Alpine scenery evoke the haunting atmosphere she captured in Frankenstein.

7. "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë is believed to have worked on Jane Eyre while staying on the Isle of Man in the 1840s. Drawn by the island’s windswept moors and rugged coastline, Brontë found solace and inspiration in its wild landscapes. The dramatic scenery mirrored the intensity of her novel’s themes, including passion, independence, and morality. Brontë often walked the island’s cliffs and hillsides, which she described as "a land painted with shadows and secrets." These walks are said to have influenced her vivid depictions of Thornfield Hall’s haunting grounds and the emotional turmoil of her protagonist, Jane.

The Isle of Man, nestled in the Irish Sea, is renowned for its natural beauty, ancient castles, and charming villages. Its sense of timelessness and isolation makes it a perfect retreat for writers and artists.

Brontë is thought to have written portions of Jane Eyre in a secluded coastal cottage near Peel. While the original structure is gone, visitors can explore the area’s dramatic cliffs and beaches, channeling the inspiration that fueled her iconic novel.

8. "The Moon and Sixpence" by W. Somerset Maugham

W. Somerset Maugham wrote much of The Moon and Sixpence while staying on the island of Tahiti in the early 1910s. Inspired by the life of painter Paul Gauguin, the novel reflects the island's lush tropical beauty and vibrant Polynesian culture. Maugham lived in a modest bungalow surrounded by palm trees, where he observed the simplicity and vibrancy of island life. He used this environment to craft the tale of Charles Strickland, an artist who abandons his conventional life for the pursuit of artistic freedom in Tahiti. Maugham once said that the island’s intoxicating allure “painted pictures in the mind,” which he translated into the vivid imagery that permeates his novel.

Tahiti, part of French Polynesia, is a paradisiacal island with turquoise lagoons, volcanic peaks, and rich cultural traditions. It has long attracted artists, writers, and adventurers seeking inspiration.

Maugham spent time in a small home near Papeete, Tahiti’s capital. While his residence no longer exists, visitors can explore Gauguin’s Museum and the island’s natural beauty, which echoes the atmosphere of his novel.

9. "Lord Jim" by Joseph Conrad

Joseph Conrad worked on Lord Jim while spending time on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean during the late 1890s. The island’s vibrant seaport culture and lush tropical surroundings influenced Conrad’s depiction of exotic locales and moral dilemmas. Known for his keen observation of human nature, Conrad drew inspiration from the maritime life he encountered on Mauritius, blending it into the complex story of Jim, a disgraced sailor seeking redemption. Conrad once described the island as "a crossroads of humanity," a fitting description for a tale deeply rooted in themes of honor, guilt, and belonging.

Mauritius, with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and multicultural heritage, remains an idyllic destination. Its blend of African, European, and Asian influences creates a unique cultural tapestry.

Conrad spent time in Port Louis, Mauritius’s capital, observing its bustling harbor and secluded beaches. Visitors can explore these areas and imagine the vibrant setting that influenced his vivid storytelling.

‍10. "The Odyssey" by Homer

Homer is traditionally believed to have composed The Odyssey on the Greek island of Chios around the 8th century BCE. The island’s sweeping vistas of the Aegean Sea and its storied maritime culture likely influenced Homer’s epic tale of Odysseus’s journey. Chios, with its ancient settlements and mythological associations, offered the perfect setting for crafting a story brimming with adventure, heroism, and divine intervention. Homer’s intimate knowledge of island geography is evident in his detailed descriptions of Odysseus’s encounters. Legend has it that Homer, said to be blind, dictated parts of The Odyssey under a sacred oak tree, with the island’s winds carrying his words into eternity.

Chios is a Greek island steeped in history, known for its medieval villages, mastic trees, and stunning coastline. It’s celebrated for its connection to Homer and ancient Greek literature.

Visitors to Chios can explore the Homerion Cultural Center, dedicated to the poet’s legacy, and walk along the ancient landscapes believed to have inspired his epic works.

These stories, written amidst the tranquil yet powerful isolation of islands, remind us of the deep connection between creativity and environment. From Orwell’s stark Jura to Woolf’s windswept St. Ives, these islands served not only as backdrops but as vital characters in the creation of these timeless works. For literary enthusiasts and island adventurers alike, visiting these locations offers a unique glimpse into the worlds that inspired some of literature’s greatest minds. Pack your bags, find your retreat, and let the whispers of the waves fuel your own story.