Lauren Willig is a consummate storyteller. Like fellow author Kate Morton, she has an exceptional ability to shift between the past and the present, interweaving and connecting two separate tales into one. Her "Pink Carnation" series is a continual favorite, and her stand alone novel "The Ashford Affair" is no exception. Now, with "That Summer", her second stand alone novel, she proves, yet again, just how good she is at what she does."That Summer" begins in 2009, when New York resident Julia Conley inherits a house outside of London - a place she hasn't been to since the car crash that killed her mother when she was six. Arriving at Herne Hill, she pushes aside the painful memories that are slowly returning and begins sorting through her great-aunts belongings. When she discovers a Pre-Raphaelite painting hidden behind an old wardrobe, long-buried secrets of the house's shrouded history begin to be revealed.Shift to 1849 and the story of Imogen Grantham, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage. Convinced her life will never be more than what exists within the walls of Herne Hill, she is unprepared for her introduction to Gavin Thorne, a quiet and introspective man hired to paint her portrait. It is how these two separate, but connected, tales begin to unfold, and the ways in which the past connects with the present, that make for such enjoyable reading. Willig's attention to detail and finely drawn descriptions pull you into the time and place. "Up close, the house was larger than she had realized, covered in a muddy stucco that might once have been white but had darkened over time to a soft of dun. The front door was up a flight of stairs, flanked either side by long windows, draped in dirt and damask. The sun couldn't compete with the thick growth of foliage around the house; it was almost chilly in the shade, chilly and very quiet."But it is her characters that gives the story it's true value. From those in the past to those in the present, they are real and nuanced, true to their time and place. The history, the mystery, the romance and the merging of all three, coupled with one of the most heart-rending, tear-jerking endings I've read in quite some time, make this one of my favorite reads of the year. Another Lauren Willig novel not to be missed. Certainly not Willig's strongest book, but she gets a pass because she was very, very pregnant while writing it. Her first stand alone novel, The Ashford Affair was exceptionally strong and much better plotted. I found myself three-quarters of the way into the book and waiting for more to happen with this one. I've also read a few books in the past year dealing with the Pre-Rapahelites and was disappointed with how perfunctory her study of them was. Willig's books always assume a certain amount of education and knowledge, which is fine, but sometimes assuming your audience knows too much backfires. THe ending in particular was abrupt and I was left stuttering for a moment saying, wait, did what I think happened just happen? I think for a light summer beach read it was okay but overall just didn't come together to be a strong enough read for what I've come to expect from Willig.
What do You think about That Summer (2014)?
I liked it. Right up my alley - takes place in London, alternating between present and past.
—avidreader
I really enjoyed this book.. Alternated between the 1800's and the 1900's..
—Precious
Interesting somewhat historical fiction with art, romance, and mystery..
—danielle
Really good book- Setting 2009 and 1890- romantic, mystery
—Kita
Very very slow but the end was not at all what I expected
—StephanieB
