Island (Order of the joys and sorrows of life and death of the whole of Europe tears)

The vivid descriptions made me wonder if the author based this on a real place or if it was entirely fictional. How did the landscape influence the characters' lives?

The detailed backstory added depth but also made me curious if the author aimed for a slower, more reflective tone during those parts.

There were moments I wanted to know more immediately, but the gradual unfolding kept me hooked. Was this a conscious choice to enhance emotional impact?