Three Summers

by Karen Swan

If you love Lucinda Riley and Santa Montefiore, don't miss this sweeping and escapist new summer romance - preorder now!

'Transported me to Italy . . . very evocative' Fern Britton, the Sunday Times bestselling author

Tricase Porto, Puglia, Italy

1957: The summer of innocence
Amongst the lemon trees, Rafaella Parisi impatiently waits for the summer visitors to arrive in her small fishing village on the coast of Puglia. She may be dating Fon Gianelli, but there is one person she longs to Cosimo - son of the wealthy Franchetti family.

1958: The summer everything changed
After a devastating accident at the lavish Franchetti villa, Rafa makes a vow that changes the course of all their futures…

1961: The summer they met again…
And when Rafa and Cosi’s lives collide, Rafa must decide if she’s willing to risk the life she has built for the future she might have had…

Readers LOVE Karen Swan
'I utterly consumed this book as quickly as it consumed me!'
'It’s been a long time since I so thoroughly enjoyed a novel with the turn of every page'
'A fabulous book, almost impossible to put down'
'Reading this novel was a joy!'

Genres: Romance, Summer, Summer Reads, Italy, Fiction

454 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2026

About the author

Karen Swan is the international and Sunday Times best-selling author of thirty books. She publishes two books a year and is known for her immersive locations, strong female leads and commitment to research before writing. The acclaimed Wild Isle series is based on the real life evacuation of the remote Scottish isle St Kilda in the summer of 1930.

Karen's most recent novel Three Summers - set around a love triangle in Puglia in the 1950s -is out in hardback now.

Karen lives in Sussex with her family and three dogs. She is always muddy, cold and hungry.

Follow her on Facebook and on Instagram - @karenswanauthor

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've loved Karen Swan's books in the past but didn't enjoy this book as much as I'd expected, I'm afraid.

The first half of the book takes place in the first summer, 1957 in Puglia, Italy. The descriptions of the setting sounded beautiful. However, I found it really difficult, for some reason, to get my head around who was who in each family and who was with who in each relationship. It was a slow paced part of the story that culminated in some shocking events.

The second summer, 1958, takes up barely a chapter.

By the third summer in 1961, we have a much darker storyline. None of the men, bar one, are particularly likeable. The women lead a life of drudgery and there is precious little love around. It may well have been an accurate depiction of Italian small town life at the time but it was hardly escapist reading. I will say that the main love story is beautifully told but for me it was overshadowed by the dark feel of the rest of the book.

I did persist to the end of the book and the ending certainly wrapped all all the loose ends of the book. However, this wasn't the glorious romantic escape to sunny Italy I'd hoped for. Sadly, not one of my favourite Karen Swan books.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

mixed feelings about this book

[Liz | lizzuplans · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully written epic family drama that I did not really connect with.

The prose was wonderful, the book was very easy to read, and it was a pleasure to enjoy the Italian sunshine.

The harsh village life in the 1950s/1960s and the treatment of women was realistic and historically correct, but combined with the slowness of the story and the various dramas made this book not really work for me.

Main conclusion: men ain’t shit.
But always yes to a second helping of delicious Italian food, weather, and vistas.

3.5 stars rounded down.

Thank you to the author and Bantam Books for an ARC of this book!

Read for a reading retreat with Boutique Book Breaks.

More on the reading retreat I went on, where I also met the author of this book! https://www.instagram.com/p/DVldsRhjKnN/

[Holly D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started out as a cheesy YA type romance that I almost stopped reading multiple times. If I hadn't actually bought this book I probably would have "DNF'ed" it. It took a turn about 100 pages in that I was not expecting and it blew up. Had me on the edge of my seat and was really awesome. Highly recommend!

[Olga Freer · Rating 2 out of 5]

About 15 years ago, I read one of Karen Swan’s Christmas novels, and I enjoyed it a lot. I wonder whether, if I read it now, I would find it basic chick lit, or whether “Three Summers”, her latest offering, is simply a far cry from what she used to write.

One thought followed me throughout the book - boring. Boring, boring, boring. It’s just… nothing really happens, and then the major event (no spoilers here) is dispatched in a few pages, after which the dullness resumes. Yes, the pace does pick up towards the end, but by then my overall impression of the novel was already set.

I’m sorry, but “Three Summers” is a dull offering, overcrowded with characters (it takes time to remember who is who), and the main ones are quite one-dimensional. The central love story is also rather blah.

Last but not least, the book clearly needed a more thorough editorial pass. “Turino” - what language is this? The plural of bella is not bellas in Italian. And sprinkling in the occasional si and ciao doesn’t really create the Italian atmosphere I was hoping for.

I don’t understand the book’s high rating. Almost gave a one star review to balance the rating.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a book of two halves, the first I was transported to the sunny climes of Puglia, a village where time stood still, the Italian families clinging to the good days but looking forward to summer when the wealthy families descend and friendships are reignited. Despite their material differences Rafa, Gina, Cosima and Romoly have always been friends. The summer of 1957 changes everything.
The second half took on a darker more sinister side, despite having the same characters, at times it seemed like a different book.
A satisfying ending though

[Susan Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it!

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, as always

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read a book by this author before and I was pleasantly surprised by it.
The Italian setting was enjoyable and put across very well. The characters interested me too, and their interactions were skilfully portrayed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy to review.

[Natasha Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was an ok read though the first half was very slow, it didn’t feel like a Karen Swan book and I was glad when I finished it.

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

I really enjoy Karen Swan’s writing and have loved many of her Christmas books. I hadn’t yet read any of her historical fiction so was pleased to receive an ARC of Three Summers (thank you Net Galley). I have to say that I did really struggle with the first half of this book. I had to re-read the first few chapters a couple of times to try and make all the characters & their relationships stick in my head- there are just so many names to get your brain around. I couldn’t work out which brother belonged to which sister/girlfriend or even who was getting married and who all the older ladies were. At about 40% it did even out & I began to enjoy it. The format of spacing the story over three eventful summers really works and adds to the drama. Cosimo & Raffaella’s journey is a very romantic one, with vibes of a shakespearian romance beset by hurdles and issues. The kidnap plot line and & Dante’s darker presence from his underworld was a good contrast & it was easy to feel a lot of sympathy for Fon. The momentum built really well over the last few chapters and I loved the ending with all lose ends tied. The second half of the book definitely made up for the first ….and the setting is sublime!

Thank you Net galley for the ARC

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Italy, the story of the relationship between a group of friends over the course of three summers. It’s not all sweetness and light - life throws a few lemons along the way as you would expect in most good books.

I enjoyed this book. It starts a little slowly, but the action begins to hot up as the story progresses and accelerates to a gripping and satisfying finish. The setting is wonderful and the descriptions are very vivid, just by closing my eyes I could very easily imagine myself in stunning Puglia. The characters are well drawn and realistic, some definitely more likeable than others. There are some real ‘badduns’ believe me! The plot line is actually quite a dark one, a little different to Karen Swan’s normal style of writing. It has a slightly foreboding feel and had me on the edge of my seat at times. A positive rollercoaster of a story - engaging, romantic, intriguing and sometimes exciting. It covers all aspects of a worthwhile read.

Many thanks to Lovereading.co.uk for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Steph Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous book, my first by this author. I was drawn in by the gorgeous cover. The characters and relationships are brilliantly developed and the settings are beautifully described. It’s a bit of a Romeo and Juliet or West Side Story type of love story and I enjoyed it a lot.

[Miemie Minty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by Karen Swan and my favorite book cover of all time!

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a Karen Swan read and although this is a little different from her usual, I really enjoyed it.
The first half is beautifully descriptive, taking me away to the wonderful Italian setting with the details so vivid. It’s a slower start with a build up giving us the introduction to the characters, before it ramps up the tension completely. As we start to see behind the fascade of some of the characters, as the individuals mature from those heady teenage years into adulthood, we begin to see changes and developments that alter their lives. The slow burn romance was wonderfully emotional and I really enjoyed seeing the twists and turns in all the relationships as we spent the summers with these characters.

[Jayne Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a brilliant mix of characters and relationships! A tale of corruption and love spun along the Italian coastline; beautifully written.

[Rasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I would never have picked for myself. However, it was an exciting addition to my reading list nonetheless since it was the first time I have ever been given an ARC to read!! What made it even more exciting was that it was part of a reading retreat organised by Boutique Book Breaks at Burley Manor. Plus I got the chance to really get my nerd on when I met and talked to the author - what a bonus 🤓. In addition to me nerding out (even more so than usual) I was better able to appreciate the story and the writer’s style.

How to begin? First impressions: it took me a while to figure out what was going on as the book began. There were multiple characters and since I don’t speak Italian (this takes place in a small Italian port village), it took about 70 pages for me to start to get my head around the people (especially their names) and the story. I mention this not simply as an opinion but as an interesting facet of Swan’s writing. According to her (as I understood it), part of her creative process is to find a place that inspires her and then start writing without any specific plan. Consequently, the characters and plot develop as she writes. In other words, the entire story can be described as a journey of discovery which we (the readers) embark on with her. Although this sounds unusual, the results were well worth it.

As I continue to read, I quickly became engrossed by Rafa (the FMC) and the lives and stories of those around her. In some ways, “Three Summers” reminded me of a Danielle Steele novel. It is centred around people, some good and some very toxic, but all of whom are guided by the decisions they make as they find their way from their youth and innocence to their adult lives. It is equal parts a character study and a drama with hints of darkness peppering the plot. Although it is a love story, it is also a tale of innocence lost, grief, guilt, ambition, family, and misplaced loyalty.

Well written and descriptive, “Three Summers” will transport you to another time in place through the multiple eyes of Rafa, Fon, and Cosimo. I quite enjoyed spending time with them although I found their actions somewhat perplexing and even problematic in places which made the whole feel a touch melodramatic at times and tragic at other others. Despite this, it was still quite gripping with a couple of twists I did not see coming.

This is a book that I would recommend for a summer beach read. And I would not say no to reading more of Swan’s books in the future.

4 stars 🤓📚

#threesummers #karenswan

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[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely addictive!
This may be my favourite Karen Swan book yet!

Set in Italy - already a big win for me! - the story follows the lives of Rafaella Parisi, the Giannellis and the Franchettis, whose lives are linked through the years. Just how intertwined they become is revealed throughout in a page turner you won't want to miss.

Divided by upbringing and brought together with familiarity, they each know what they want and are trying to navigate their ways through life, while at times, trying to keep family feuds and histories hidden. And the wants aren't always unanimous.

The first summer is spent carefree, boys, girls, full hearts and heartbreaks, wants and desires, written with a steady pace that warms your own heart, against a backdrop of the beautiful Italian region of Puglia. But as the summer moves on, events unfold and the mood intensifies with the pace of the writing picking up and mirroring this change perfectly as you move into the second summer. The girls have changed, the boys have grown up and things are very different to the earlier, carefree summer days. By the third summer, the pace has picked up yet again and you know the story is coming to an end, as much as you don't want it to and you simply can't stop reading!

Torn between right and wrong, family loyalty, friendship and love - both forbidden and unrequited, this book leaves you on the edge of your seat at times and you really don't know which way it will go, while sometimes not believing what is happening!

With some heart stopping and heart breaking moments, there are also plenty of tender, heartwarming moments and this is a book I have no hesitation in recommending.

This will definitely be in my top 5 of 2026!

ARC review

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a small fishing village in Italy and beginning in 1957, “Three Summers” has three main characters: Rafaella, a young woman who has lived there all her life; Fon, the local young man she has been dating; and Cosimo, a member of a wealthy family who spends their summers in the village. They have all grown up together although with Cosi being away for much of the time, he has only just noticed how grown up Rafa is. But with Rafa dating Fon, conflict seems inevitable. What none of them realise is how that conflict will develop and, following a huge tragedy, will impact them and their families for years to come. Over the course of three summers, we find out how each character deals with the directions their lives go in. And when fate plays another part in the third summer and they find their lives still intertwined, what will they decide to do?

I really liked this book. As I say in a lot of reviews, if you find yourself both desperate to get to the end at the same time as dreading it because you don’t want it to end, it’s usually the sign of a good book. The settings are wonderfully described and I could really picture everywhere clearly, particularly the fishing village. But more importantly, the characters were all well fleshed out, even the supporting ones. If I have a criticism at all, it’s that the events of the first summer felt a tiny bit repetitive but this mattered less once the plot twist happened.

I would definitely recommend this book to others who like romance with a hint of the thriller about it too. 4.5 out of 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨3 stars✨

I have read many of Karen Swan’s contemporary books and I have always enjoyed her evocative writing, especially when her books are set in mainland Europe (e.g. Paris, Rome, Stockholm etc) as they have always offered the perfect escapism. This was the first of her books with a more historical backdrop that I have read and honestly the results were slightly disappointing.

The first summer felt fun and enjoyable (if not feeling like it dragged just a tad…) as the rich characters came back to the port town in sunny Puglia, where this book is set. I definitely felt frustrated by the characters and their actions, especially Fon and Romola, and how easily Rafaella forgave them had me rolling my eyes but overall it was a good time. That was until the event happened that would be the catalyst for the whole book.

The second chapter was barely a chapter and then the third chapter took a much darker and sinister tone which was a sharp juxtaposition to the first 50% and I didn’t enjoy it. Again it seemed to drag as it didn’t feel like much happened up until like the last few chapters when finally we hit the dramatic climax but it was over in a few pages. The ending was somewhat satisfying though which was a plus.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this author’s contemporary fiction however this book just didn’t hit the same sadly. However, this wasn’t a bad book so if the premise sounds interesting then I would suggest giving it a go.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favourite of hers. I'm really disappointed that in the last couple of years she's abandoned her tried-and-true, international modern slow-burn romance formula in favour of historical romance. I couldn't get into the Wild Isle series and so I was excited to see she'd finally written a summer book that was a standalone. Unfortunately it didn't deliver what I wanted or had missed from her in the past few years.

I found Three Summers painfully slow for the first half, the second summer is literally three pages long so the title is a misnomer in my opinion! The characters were two-dimensional, especially the 'beautiful without realising how beautiful she is' Rafa who was the dullest FMC ever. In fact the only character that had any substance was Fon, but the problem with alternating chapters told from a three character POV is that you don't spend enough time with any of them. The story itself was much darker than in her other books, and yet somehow unbelievable and not very interesting. The central romance lacked the smoulder and build-up that her other books have; I literally couldn't have cared less if they ended up together or not. The constant use of random Italian words without context or explanation drove me crazy. The only thing I enjoyed was the last 20% of the book when there was finally some suspense and action, and the twist at the end was unexpected.

I don't know, I guess I might be better off re-reading some of Karen Swan's old books at this point. She's clearly changed direction and found a new readership, but sadly it's at the expense of her old one.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many of Karen's books, and they transport you to some gorgeous places. This one is no exception.
We spent over half the book in the summer of 1957 in Puglia, Italy, where Raga and Gina live. Idyllic summers spent with friends who visit every summer. Fede, Cosimo, and Romola.
Something happened between Cosi and Rafa, and this summer, everything changes. Two brothers Dante and Fon are brought into the mix, and there is danger.
A tragedy takes place on the evening of Rafa's sisters wedding that changes the friendships.
The summer of 1958 is one chapter, and then we move on to the summer of 1961.
Gina and Rafa are now married, and this is where it really gets interesting.
I totally loved the dynamics of the characters. There was real depth. Some more likeable than others. I felt the story was very believable, and the location was beautiful.
The only thing I had a problem with, which for me lost a star, was the two scenes of animal cruelty, which I skipped past. Personally, I didn't think it added anything to the main story. I know in Karen's trilogy there was animal cruelty in that one, too, which stopped me from reading the following two in the series.
Getting past that. Overall, this was very good. I thought the ending was satisfying for all the main characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House uk, Transworld publishers/ Bantam, for the invitation to read this in return for an honest review.

[Lolli Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars rounded up)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Three Summers by Karen Swan was an enjoyable read overall, though it took me a little while to fully get into the story. The beginning introduces quite a few characters, and it took some time to keep track of everyone and settle into the narrative. Once the story found its rhythm, however, I really started to appreciate the journey.

The setting in Italy was absolute perfection and easily one of my favourite parts of the book. Karen Swan paints such a vivid picture of the landscapes, towns, and atmosphere that it genuinely gave me major wanderlust. By the end, I was seriously dreaming about packing a bag and heading off on an Italian road trip!

Like with many of the authors other books the a story wasn’t purely light or escapist, and I really appreciated that. Beneath the beautiful setting, there are some grittier moments and a darker side to the plot that add depth and emotional weight to the story. These elements made the narrative feel more layered and kept things interesting as the story unfolded.

While the large cast made the start slightly slow for me, the story ultimately felt warm, engaging, and immersive. If you enjoy character-driven stories with beautiful travel settings and a hint of darker drama beneath the surface, this is definitely worth picking up - just give it a little time to unfold.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Summers by Karen Swan is a sweeping, sun-drenched novel that completely captured my heart. Lush, romantic, and quietly devastating, it’s the kind of story that lingers long after the final page.

Set against the evocative backdrop of coastal Puglia, the novel unfolds across three pivotal summers: 1957, 1958, and 1961, each marking a turning point in the life of Rafaella Parisi. As a young woman growing up in a small fishing village, Rafa’s world is shaped by tradition, family expectations, and the seasonal arrival of wealthy visitors. Among them is Cosimo Franchetti, whose presence awakens feelings that are as intoxicating as they are complicated. What begins as a story of youthful longing soon deepens into something far more layered, as one tragic summer alters the course of multiple lives.

Karen Swan masterfully explores themes of love, choice, sacrifice, and the weight of ‘what might have been.’ The time jumps are handled with elegance, allowing the reader to see how a single moment can echo across years. Rafa is a beautifully drawn protagonist; strong, conflicted, and perfectly human, and the Italian setting is so vivid you can almost smell the lemons and feel the heat shimmering off the stone villas.

This is historical fiction at its best. If you love stories about enduring love, fate, and the courage it takes to choose your own future, Three Summers is an absolute must-read.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Random House and Netgalley for the advanced copy for review!

I’m really digging the historical romances Karen Swan’s been writing - her Wild Isle historical mystery/ romance series was a favourite of mine. I’ve been looking out for her next winter book release but was pleasantly surprised when she announced Three Summers as her next novel.

We’re treated to a sun-soaked coastal Italian setting. Rafa is our beautiful main lead, and like other young women in her village, is thinking about her future. Her options are: Fon, a safe pragmatic choice from her village, or Cosi, the rich family’s son who is also her childhood best friend. Like all of Karen Swan’s novels, there’s a healthy dose of intrigue, dashing figures, sinister plots, and sweeping romance.

I particularly enjoyed these themes:
❤️ friends to lovers
💫 coming of age
💕 female friendships & sisterhood
💛 found family

Our cast of supporting characters are also thoroughly fleshed out - Rafa’s best friend Gina always has her back, and the brothers of both male leads are excellent foils for them.

I couldn’t put down Three Summers once I started it, and it left me thinking long after I’d finished it. I appreciated the research that must have gone into the settings and characters!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating this 5 out of 5 stars for a deeply entertaining summer read!

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

With "Three Summers" we stay in the past, as it's Karen Swan's another try at historical fiction. And what can I say - as usually, brilliantly researched, with details we would probably never know if she hadn't digged them out somehow and brought them to life. The setting is beautiful and I was easily transported to Tricase, with the vivid and evocative descriptions of the gorgeous summers. The characters are brilliantly written and all the complexities of their relationships are there, captured and explored. There is a great dose of romance, mystery, intrigue.

As much as it was a good, solid read Karen Swan's Wild Isle historical series was simply extraordinary. "Three Summers", a brilliant read, but didn't deliver as well as the three historical stories. The end here felt rushed and a bit convenient, and as much as I really liked it, having the feeling that the characters deserved, what has happened to them, it still left me a little insatiable. Nevertheless, I really couldn't put this book down, was desperate to know what's going to happen - it's this kind of book that you're reading keeping your breath, because you have a feeling that something really bad will happen - it kept me sucked and the story grew on me. It's multi - layered and with great depth, exploring so many levels of relationships, class differences, revenge.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Summers is a gorgeously written, emotionally rich story that sweeps you away to the lemon-scented coast of Puglia, Italy. Karen Swan masterfully captures the essence of three pivotal summers—1957, 1958, and 1961—through the eyes of Rafaella Parisi, a young woman whose life is shaped by love, loss, and the weight of choices made in youth.

The setting is beautifully evocative, with Swan’s prose painting vivid scenes of sun-drenched villas, seaside villages, and the quiet ache of longing. Rafaella is a compelling protagonist—spirited, vulnerable, and deeply relatable. Her connection with Cosimo Franchetti, the son of a wealthy family, is tender and complex, unfolding across years with a bittersweet intensity.

This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about identity, class, and the courage to chase a life that feels truly yours. The emotional depth is balanced with a sense of nostalgia and hope, making it a perfect read for fans of Lucinda Riley and Santa Montefiore.

Three Summers is escapist fiction at its finest—elegant, heartfelt, and quietly powerful. A perfect companion for a lazy afternoon or a reflective evening.

With thanks to Karen Swan, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ This book had a bit of a slow start for me, and it took me a little while to get into, but when things picked up… wow. Honestly, it absolutely blew me away.

I went in blind and had no idea what I was in for. Not only does the beautiful writing transport you straight to 1950s Italy so you truly feel like you’re there, but the story completely grabs a hold of you and won’t let go.

There are themes of family, friendship, love, honour, power, corruption and revenge, to name a few. Swan explores a range of complex relationships so brilliantly. It turned a lot darker than I was anticipating, but I don’t want to spoil anything by explaining why.

The love story between Rafaella and Cosimo is undoubtedly a highlight. Amidst the darkness and the sinister aspects of some of the characters and their actions, the romance and yearning between these two is at times heart-wrenching, yet filled with depth, warmth, and representative of a love that perseveres, even when apart. I found their story really moving.

This is actually the first Karen Swan book I’ve ever read, and it won’t be the last. Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an early copy. This one is going to be on my mind for a while!

[Liz T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Summers is a story of love, jealousy, betrayal and revenge set against the backdrop of cerulean Italian skies and a beautiful seaside fishing village on the coast of Puglia. It is told from the point of view of Rafaella, Cosimo and Fon.
Although these three young people spend many Summers together from childhood those times of innocence are overtaken by jealousy when Fon realises that Rafaella has feelings for Cosimo when the Francetti family return to spend the Summer at Villa Agosto. Fon has always felt like an outsider and now he really has something to prove if he wants to keep his girl. However, would winning her hand really make him happy and at what price?
There are a number of characters to become acquainted with at the start of the story and it was a slow build up but once the saga of these intense relationships reached there climax I was hooked. Strong characters running alongside the three main characters added depth to the story, particularly Romola and Fede, Cosimos’s sister and brother, Rafaella’s best friend Gina and Fon’s brother Dante. As the pace of the story increased, I just couldn’t put this book down.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of Three Summers in return for an honest review.

[Roelia (Roelia Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rating

Three Summers by Karen Swan is a richly atmospheric novel set across three pivotal summers in 1950s and early 1960s Puglia. I will admit that the beginning took some patience. There are many characters and family connections to keep track of, and it took me a while to feel grounded in the story. Once I did, I found myself drawn to Rafa and the complicated world she inhabits.

The first summer in 1957 is slow paced but beautifully descriptive. Swan captures the rhythms of village life and the contrast between local families and the wealthy visitors who arrive each year. The second summer is brief, almost a pause before the storm. By the third summer in 1961, the tone shifts dramatically. The story becomes darker and more oppressive, with themes of power, corruption, grief and misplaced loyalty coming to the forefront. The portrayal of women’s lives is stark and often difficult to read.

What kept me invested was the love story between Rafaella and Cosimo. Their connection is tender, moving and full of emotional depth. Although the novel was not the light Italian escape I expected, it is gripping, evocative and ultimately satisfying. A thoughtful and memorable read for fans of character driven historical fiction,

With thanks to Penguin Random House SA