Review: Amanda in the Summer
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 25, 2013
This is an epistolary novel that takes the reader through several generations. It begins in the 1940s in an exchange of letters between Amanda and her dear friend Tilly. Actually, we only see Amanda's letters, not Tilly's responses. Though the two women are close friends, their lives take very different paths. Amanda, expecting her first child, has settled into married life while Tilly seems to be living a more exciting life in the city, single and free. Amanda spends her summers at a beach cottage, often with only her mother for company while her husband is working in the city.We learn that Tilly was friendly with Amanda's husband before Amanda married him, and as the letters continue, they are peppered with tantalizing hints as to the relationships among them. As time passes, Amanda's daughter (also named Amanda) corresponds with Tilly, who remains unmarried. Through her we see the "peace and love" era of the 1960s. Further along, a third Amanda (a granddaughter) writes Tilly as well.Though we've "come a long way, baby", women still wonder if we can have it all, and if that's even desirable. I enjoyed the way the author wove events of the time, and changing mores, into the story. As a reader I had to wonder if the 1940s Amanda, Tilly's friend, was as innocent (oblivious?) as her letters suggested, or if she had doubts that she simply preferred not to face. I'm glad the author chose not to spell everything out, but left the mystery unanswered.This is a story of mothers and daughters, love and friendship, and the decisions we all have to make. I recommend Amanda in the Summer to readers who enjoy woman's fiction written with a light touch.Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally published at the Divas of Desire blog.