Written chronologically in the first person with some flashbacks, Voyage to the Island uses a simple style that features short sentences and concrete imagery. Nieminen's visual imagery is remarkable. She alternates between passages of narration, in which she recounts her experiences as a homemaker and teacher and passages of reflection in which she meditates on her personal problems as a woman and a deaf person. She gives fascinating portraits of the children with whom she works, and although her frustrations often set the tone, she is hopeful that the deaf on St. Lucia and elsewhere can find meaningful places in any society through appropriate education. The most moving sections concern her dealings with Roger Alfonso, a proud and stubborn street child whom she takes into her home in the hope of improving his communication and social skills. However, her efforts fail, and he departs. The mood...