I have just finished reading The Island of What Could Have Been, and once again I find myself astonished. Few books manage to capture not only a setting but its very soul — and this novel does exactly that. Much like the previous one, it conveys something beyond description: the essence of Arillas.
It is never just about the beach or the tavernas, as beautiful and welcoming as they are. What emerges from these pages is the quiet magic of this place — the way time itself seems to soften and slow down, as though allowing each moment to breathe. It is about the unspoken ways in which people meet here, how strangers open up to one another, often without quite knowing why. The novel understands this mystery. It sees what is usually invisible: the spirit of the land, the generosity of its people, and the delicate balance of light and shadow that each of us carries within.
Marco’s journey through alternate lives, unspoken regrets, and rediscovered truths is profoundly moving. Yet what touched me most was how authentic it all feels to Arillas — to our Arillas. You can sense that the author has not only been here in body but has also allowed his heart to be completely present. That openness is what gives the story its truth.
For anyone who loves this village, or for those who have only dreamed of setting foot here, this book offers a doorway into that dream. It resonates with those who know the place and inspires those who have yet to arrive.
The final chapter of the Saga has just been released, and I am about to begin it with great anticipation. For now, I can only say that this entire series is a rare gift — a tapestry of stories that connect inner journeys with the timeless spirit of Arillas.
The full Saga is now available on Amazon, both in English and in German.
ENGLISH
Vol.1 - The Strength of Fragile Days: A Long Journey Across the Middle Lands
Vol.2 - The Island of What Could Have Been: Back to the Middle Lands
Vol.3 – The Secret of the Origin: Final Journey to the Middle Lands
GERMAN
Vol. 1 - Die Kraft der zerbrechlichen Tage: Eine lange Reise durch die Länder dazwischen
Vol.2 - DIE INSEL DER GELEBTEN MÖGLICHKEITEN: Rückkehr in die Länder dazwische
Vol.3 - DAS GEHEIMNIS DES URSPRUNGS: Letzte Reise in die Länder dazwischen
