The Summer House
Fiction
Atria
June 6, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy
336
Publisher
Flossy Merrill has managed to—somewhat begrudgingly—gather her three ungrateful grown children from their dysfunctional lives for a summer reunion at the family’s Rhode Island beach house. Clementine, her youngest child and a young mother of two small children, has caused Flossy the most worry after enduring a tragically life-altering year. But Samuel and his partner Evan are not far behind in their ability to alarm: their prospective adoption search has just taken a heart-wrenching turn. Only Paige, the eldest of the headstrong Merrill clan, is her usual self: arriving precisely on time with her well-adapted teens. Little does her family know that she, too, is facing personal struggles of her own.
No matter. With her family finally congregated under one seaside roof, Flossy is determined to steer her family back on course even as she prepares to reveal the fate of the summer house that everyone has thus far taken for granted: she’s selling it. The Merrill children are both shocked and outraged and each returns to memories of their childhoods at their once beloved summer house—the house where they have not only grown up, but from which they have grown away. With each lost in their respective heartaches, Clementine, Samuel, and Paige will be forced to reconsider what really matters before they all say goodbye to a house that not only defined their summers, but, ultimately, the ways in which they define themselves.
My review:
This was the first book I've read by Hannah McKinnon, although I've certainly seen her previous novels around, especially on most beach read lists. I went into it expecting a light, fluffy, chic-litish read, which I am totally game for during the summer. What I got was that, but a whole lot more! This was a well written family saga revolving around three children, all of whom have varying degrees of turmoil in their lives. They all gather at their childhood summer house, summoned by their mother for a week spent together (just like when they were kids), culminating in the birthday celebration for their father. It's an interesting study in how our childhood personalities grow with us, and are even more on display when extended families get together. Lest you be concerned that there isn't anything to this book but family drama, there is some great descriptions of summer beach life involving sand, surf, and food! I must admit to rolling my eyes at the obligatory love interest, but I was relieved by the way it pans out. This had light moments, funny moments (Flossie trying to get her mother's oyster recipe from the stubborn book club member!), serious drama, and the usual family squabbles all wrapped up in one package. I would also be remiss if I didn't mention that Merrill is my maiden name, so I thought it was pretty cool to see it in print.
A fantastic addition to your summer beach bag. This one incorporates family drama with family love, all in an idyllic beach setting. I was happy that I got the chance to read this one at my own summer house!
My first by the author and, so far, my favorite "summer read"!
It was a surprise for me, I went in expecting a "fluff" novel, but got so much more!