How I wish that somewhere there existed an island for those that are wise and of goodwill.
—Albert Einstein
“In Search of Goodwill Island” by Millicent Vetterlein
By Lin McNulty
At age 73, Orcas Islander Milly Vetterlein thought she should consider herself to be—chronologically, at least—a “wise woman.” That thought precipitated some serious delving into journals, manuscripts and poems that had survived their deportation to the attic. Procrastination and the inner critic had labeled the files “STORAGE.” As she needed more storage space, she had to think about what she really wanted to do with her paper past.
It was then she realized how much she wanted to add her name to the storyteller tradition—to celebrate the support and comfort that women gain in sharing stories, and beyond stories, their poems and art.
She contemplates that being wise, in various guises, and of goodwill is perhaps be the secret of island dwellers, and considers Albert Einstein a model of island life. “We think of Einstein,” she says, “as a hair-haloed genius and scientist. But he was also a passionately curious man—both solitary and social.”
In Sight of Goodwill Island, a heartfelt collection of Vetterlein’s poems and short stories, was born from her discovery. This heartfelt collection of stories and impressions ferries the reader to memorable islands and captures their unique beauty, quirky inhabitants, and mysterious appeal.
Milly has lived most of her life on the edges of two coasts—trading Maine’s port city for Orcas six years ago. Water has always been an alluring and vital element for her, defining her travels to countries bordering the Mediterranean, the English Channel, and the Indian Ocean. This is her first collection of writings, born of fifty years of observations, journaling, and a life-long love affair with the English language.
In Sight of Goodwill Island is chock full of fictionalized island characters and poems that are at once brand new and familiar.
“You either come to an island to do what you love,” she points out, “or you find out what you love doing by being removed from so many distractions and escapes.” Either way, she has magnificently captured what we love about being where we are.
Her book is available at Amazon or from Darvills Bookstore. Read more about Milly’s journey at her website, paperwaits.com.
Having read Millie’s book, I agree with you that it is a wonderful accomplishment and a pleasure to read. Here is a link to the book at Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/btjr9nd but buying it at Darvills is island friendly.
Not to discount Millie Vetterlein’s book (which I haven’t read yet) but I have to commend one of our island’s own…Lin McNulty, for writing a critique that makes me want to go and pick up anything that she recommends!
We have a gift on Orcas in Lin McNulty’s being a director of plays (TRACERS), as well as being a consumate writer/script writer/playwrite on her own. Thank you Lin!…please continue!