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A Jersey Midsummer Tale
The world about us might change but the people of one generation are no different to that of another. In 'A Jersey Midsummer Tale' Roy McCarthy creates not one world but two - the first pre-war, the second set in a Jersey which, very clearly, belongs to the 21st century. After his initial novel, 'Barry', this Island-based tale is a realistic, poignant homage to time, love and the changing world around us; a portrayal of a Jersey way of life in which characters emerge as real, flesh and blood creations with all the fears and ambitions that they - and we - have always had.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2013
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November 19, 2014
What a charmer this Jersey tale is! For those of my fellow Americans out there, it’s not New Jersey, it’s the other Jersey way across the pond.
If you’re like me, you probably know little to nothing about this quaint island floating off the coast of Normandy. I suggest you pick up Roy McCarthy’s “A Jersey Midsummer Tale”, as this read is a little cultural gem that is absolutely worth discovering.
"Midsummer Tale" covers two different times – one pre-WWII, the other present day. Each era is equally enchanting.
Being a history enthusiast, I was initially torn over departing the first part of the book. It cleverly blankets the reader in that time of simplicity when technology was a pipe dream and Hitler hadn’t started marching his silly mustache across Europe.
However after getting cozy with the second part, I found myself just as excited to follow the lives of the modern characters running parallel lives to those in the past. Their hopes, their dreams, their sense of trying to find where they fit into the puzzle of life, even on a remote island, are something which resonates with us all.
McCarthy has a way with words that is relatable, yet deep and full of intrigue. Romance, both blooming and decaying, flourish throughout the story, reminding us of the giddy times and the broken-hearted ones.
It is important to note that there is a second book, “Tess of Portelet Manor”, which continues on with the story, including the Nazi occupation. I’m excited to proceed on this Jersey journey and have already snatched up my Kindle copy!
Stellar work, Mr. McCarthy. Bravo.
If you’re like me, you probably know little to nothing about this quaint island floating off the coast of Normandy. I suggest you pick up Roy McCarthy’s “A Jersey Midsummer Tale”, as this read is a little cultural gem that is absolutely worth discovering.
"Midsummer Tale" covers two different times – one pre-WWII, the other present day. Each era is equally enchanting.
Being a history enthusiast, I was initially torn over departing the first part of the book. It cleverly blankets the reader in that time of simplicity when technology was a pipe dream and Hitler hadn’t started marching his silly mustache across Europe.
However after getting cozy with the second part, I found myself just as excited to follow the lives of the modern characters running parallel lives to those in the past. Their hopes, their dreams, their sense of trying to find where they fit into the puzzle of life, even on a remote island, are something which resonates with us all.
McCarthy has a way with words that is relatable, yet deep and full of intrigue. Romance, both blooming and decaying, flourish throughout the story, reminding us of the giddy times and the broken-hearted ones.
It is important to note that there is a second book, “Tess of Portelet Manor”, which continues on with the story, including the Nazi occupation. I’m excited to proceed on this Jersey journey and have already snatched up my Kindle copy!
Stellar work, Mr. McCarthy. Bravo.
Displaying 1 of 1 review