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Thursday 26 January 2012

The Last Summer by Judith Kinghorn - sweeping historical romance


I read the paperback version of this which had a different cover showing a large country house, but I don't think that is out in shops yet. (I got it from Amazon Vine) But you can pre-order!

I read it on a train to London, and it took me two journeys to demolish it - a substantial novel then.

The Last Summer is set during the beginnings of World War I and tells the story of Clarissa, who loses her luxurious lifestyle and her home during the book.Impeccably written and well-researched this is an atmospheric and haunting read. It takes the reader from languorous summer days by the lake on a country estate to the horror of the trenches with equal aplomb.

The love story at its heart unfolds over sixteen years or so, so this is no flash in the pan romance but the real thing. Judith Kinghorn skilfully navigates our journey through love and loss, and despite the fact the reader knows that Clarissa and Tom must somehow find the inevitable happy ending the tension is nicely built through all the different episodes.Part of the story unfolds through letters which hold a secret not revealed until the end.

The social and historical background feels real. Clarissa's journey from society debutante to independent woman who wants to work for herself must be the journey many women took in this period and the book highlights this nicely. The back of the novel says it was "the end of a belle epoque" and Clarissa senses this before it is made real to her through the events in the story. People have likened this book to Downton Abbey, but it is not quite as cosy. Death and duty are here too, and the stifling repression of the moneyed classes.

This is a perfect balance of romance and grit, by a great new writer. Don't miss it.

5 comments:

  1. I definately am looking forward to reading this book.

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  2. I'm really looking forward to reading this. Think it'll be a book I want to savour but want to rush through!

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  3. I was already thinking of picking up this book but your excellent review has convinced me!

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  4. Hello Carol, Charmed Lassie (what a great handle!) and Sarah, Yes I really enjoyed it. I've since had a tweet from Judith to say I had an uncorrected proof copy, hence the different cover. I love the cover I featured -very wistful and romantic.

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  5. Thanks again, Deborah, for reading the book and giving me that wonderful review. I'm immensely grateful, and just so thrilled to have readers at last!

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