'The Aran Islands' (1907) is a four-part collection of J.M. Synge's journals that explore the inhabitants and geography of the titular islands. Throughout the book, Synge reveals the problematic lives of the islanders as they survive against harsh weather and seclusion from the mainland. Oscillating between their daily rituals and the backdrop they live against; Synge paints a vivid picture of life on the Aran Islands at the turn of the 20th century. For fans of adventure or travel books, J.M Synge's 'The Aran Islands' is a must-read. A prototypical David Attenborough or Bear Grylls, Synge offers an incredible exploration of these islands at a time that would be otherwise lost to history. -