My Tropic Isle

"My Tropic Isle" by E. J. Banfield is a reflective memoir where the author journeys into the heart of island living during the early 1900s. The story unfolds on a remote, uninhabited island near the Australian coast, painting a vivid picture of a life stripped down to its essence. Banfield captures the essence of simplicity, the grandeur of nature, and the quiet of being alone, detailing the real-world challenges and deep happiness found in turning away from the rush of city life. The memoir begins with his settling on the island with friends, building a home from what the land offered, getting used to island life, while painting word pictures of the stunning scenery, the odd habits of local animals, and the amazing quiet that wraps around the island like a blanket. The author’s story is both a personal look inward and an ode to the wild beauty of the island, encouraging readers to seek out the delight in simple things and value the lessons learned from a close connection with the natural world.