Thanks for starting this thread. This is a wonderful book, one of my favorites ever. I'm reading Island right now as well.

For the record, I found out about this author when he was featured on the front page of the New York Times book review, about the time Island came out in hardcover. (I waited for the paperback, but I ended up buying the hardcover of No Great Mischief AFTER reading the paperback, so I'd always have a readable copy.) I suspect I will end up doing this with Island as well, as I've really liked the stories I've read so far. (about 4). I agree he doesn't seem to have the recognition he deserves

I also liked the "session" scene with the Cape Breton and French Canadians in the mining camp. I even recognized some of the tune names! I read this novel about a year ago, but still remember a lot of the scenes. (Well, I have picked up the book to look at certain things from time to time.) Highly, highly recommended!