The Summer Country by Lauren Willig takes place in colonial Barbados focusing on Emily, her cousin Adam and his wife Laura traveling from England to their grandfather's native Barbados on business. Emily has recently inherited a plantation from their grandfather and Adam is involved in their family shipping business. While in Barbados, Emily begins to explore the story of her family. The story unfolds in alternating chapters involving Emily and others in 1850s Barbados and the story of Mary Ann and Jenny from the previous generation in Barbados. The alternate voices telling the story provides an intriguing story with multiple twists and turns that does not unfold completely until the final chapters.
At the center of The Summer Country is the sad tale of white masters forcing themselves upon slaves as well as the codified social strictures of the time period regarding interracial relationships. In addition, laced throughout the story is the desire for power and control and the lies and manipulation individuals will commit to maintain or obtain power. The Summer Country is a stunning book, impeccably researched, that will stick with the reader for quite a while--particularly that where you are born or brought up makes all the difference in the world. My only wish is that the end had tied up a little bit more. However, the end does leave the potential for a sequel if desired.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Summer Country via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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