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De vergeten zomer
De druivenoogst is altijd een feestelijke gebeurtenis in de wijngaard van de familie Cambon. Behalve dit jaar. Wanneer de oogst door een fout mislukt, is dit slecht nieuws voor het voortbestaan van het landgoed. En Clarisse Cambon weet precies wie ze dat kwalijk moet nemen: haar schoondochter Jane. Het is slechts één incident in een jarenlange strijd, waarvan beide vrouwen de oorzaak verborgen houden voor Luc. Luc, die altijd zijn best doet om zijn vrouw en zijn moeder met elkaar te verzoenen. Maar als het noodlot toeslaat, blijft Jane vol twijfels achter. Welke geheimen heeft haar man altijd voor háár verborgen gehouden?
Wanneer ze de dagelijkse leiding van de wijngaard overneemt, vindt Jane bewijs voor het feit dat Luc niet de man was op wie ze twintig jaar geleden verliefd werd. En wat erger is, ze weet dat alleen haar oude vijand Clarisse kan helpen om de waarheid te achterhalen…
Wanneer ze de dagelijkse leiding van de wijngaard overneemt, vindt Jane bewijs voor het feit dat Luc niet de man was op wie ze twintig jaar geleden verliefd werd. En wat erger is, ze weet dat alleen haar oude vijand Clarisse kan helpen om de waarheid te achterhalen…
386 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2016
163 people are currently reading
1171 people want to read
About the author
Carol Drinkwater
41 books436 followersCarol Drinkwater is an Anglo-Irish actress, author and filmmaker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
July 30, 2016
Nice enough, but I'm getting so sick of blurbs promising big juicy secrets which turn out to be run-of-the-mill predictable mehness. Pah.
July 8, 2019
I loved this story it was a fresh idea for a novel. The Forgotten Summer has secrets, tragedy, a hidden past and family mysteries all set in the glorious Provence. Is the truth something you really want to know? During the renovations of Luke's study, Jane visited only twice. And now here she was, turning the lock in the door that led off from the pantry, bringing a gust of fresh air into his sealed world. her heart was beating fast. If there were secrets here, clues to his troubles, she had to know them, but now, so close, she almost felt afraid of what she might uncover. I highly recommend The Forgotten Summer to women who love reading contemporary fiction.
June 11, 2025
Tokia siūlų ritė provyniota iš įvairių įvykių, kai jau atrodo maždaug žinai, kur pakryps viskas, ima ir ne taip nutinka. Skaitėsi įdomiai, lengvai, buvo tokių intriguojančių vietų, bet tikrai nebuvo tokia knyga, kuri užstrigtų ar kurią norėtųsi visiems rekomenduoti.
May 11, 2020
Nors viršelis atrodo vasariškai ir viliojančiai, bet šios knygos kaip atostogų romano rinktis nepatarčiau. Provanso kerintys vaizdai, skaitytojui žadami knygos anotacijoje, nėra persmelkti lengvabūdiškumu, gera nuotaika ar įkvepiančia meilės istorija.
March 8, 2017
Beautifully written. Full of intrigue. Loved the descriptions.
Read
February 13, 2016Novel set in the South of France
This review first appeared on our blog, where we chat to author Carol Drinkwater about writing and relocation: http://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set-...
The book opens with the annual grape harvest at the Cambon family home in the South of France. Daughter-in-law Jane is joining husband Luc as it is all hands to the deck at this critical starting point in the wine producing year. However, matriarch and mother-in-law Clarisse has never taken to this female interloper and will take every opportunity to vent her cutting displeasure.
But there are secrets aplenty within this family and when tragedy strikes, Jane is left to delve into the history so that she can start to settle and work out her future. Should she settle in France, where she has fond memories of travels with her father, or should she remain in London? How can she even begin to work on the relationship with Clarisse, who, as time folds in on herself with alcohol induced depressive episodes?
She garners the support of those in the Cambon employ, who rally once they understand her commitment to the failing farm and that she is determined to at least try and get it back on its feet. But the personal secrets soon unravel and she has to find strength and energy to sustain her livelihood, as well as her sanity in the face of adverse discoveries.
Carol clearly knows the area really the well as she has relocated to her own farm in France – the descriptions are suffused with detail and warmth, and the story could only be set amongst the vineyards and olive trees of this part of the world.
This review first appeared on our blog, where we chat to author Carol Drinkwater about writing and relocation: http://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set-...
The book opens with the annual grape harvest at the Cambon family home in the South of France. Daughter-in-law Jane is joining husband Luc as it is all hands to the deck at this critical starting point in the wine producing year. However, matriarch and mother-in-law Clarisse has never taken to this female interloper and will take every opportunity to vent her cutting displeasure.
But there are secrets aplenty within this family and when tragedy strikes, Jane is left to delve into the history so that she can start to settle and work out her future. Should she settle in France, where she has fond memories of travels with her father, or should she remain in London? How can she even begin to work on the relationship with Clarisse, who, as time folds in on herself with alcohol induced depressive episodes?
She garners the support of those in the Cambon employ, who rally once they understand her commitment to the failing farm and that she is determined to at least try and get it back on its feet. But the personal secrets soon unravel and she has to find strength and energy to sustain her livelihood, as well as her sanity in the face of adverse discoveries.
Carol clearly knows the area really the well as she has relocated to her own farm in France – the descriptions are suffused with detail and warmth, and the story could only be set amongst the vineyards and olive trees of this part of the world.
February 7, 2017
I Expected Way More From This Than It Offered. I Didn't Find It Juicy Until The Last Few Chapters. So Much More Could've Been Made Of This Book
February 16, 2016
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Actual rating 4.5/5
'The Forgotten Summer' was such an incredibly wonderful surprise! Having no expectations about the book, I dived in and was immediately hooked. Transported to beautiful, picturesque Les Cigales, meeting the Cambon family and learning about the many secrets they have was indeed one of a kind reading experience.
The book opens with yet another grape harvest on the Cambon's French estate and we meet Clarisse, the matriarch and Luc's mother and Jane, Luc's wife who are everything but friendly towards each other. Luc, his mother and spinster aunt have come to France after leaving their homeland, Algeria, however it's not until later on in the book that we find out their reason for this. They had everything in Algeria, and yet they left and came to Les Cigales, willing to start a new life without a man in the house, constantly being attacked and called witches.
Luc's seven years older than Jane and they meet when they are very young, during a stay on which Jane accompanies her father who's been offered a job with the Cambon's. Despite the huge crush on Luc, it takes them years to become an item and marry secretly behind Clarisse's back. Clarisse doesn't approve of Jane, and even years of being married to her only son don't change that. There was a certain event that planted this deep hate in Clarisse's heart, an event both women can't forget, which influences their relationship. However, Ms Drinkwater does a mighty good job in not revealing anything too early and keeping you in suspense. I must say I was dying to find out the reasons why Clarisse hates Jane so much, why they moved to France, what happened to Luc's father?
After a tragic event, both Clarisse's and Jane's lives are changed forever. Many secrets will be revealed, many lies will be exposed to light. Can the Cambon women leave the past in the past, or will they be enemies forever? It's another hot summer in France, just like the forgotten one back in 1962, the summer Cambon's left home but not their grief and sorrow..the summer that changed everything.
'The Forgotten Summer' is a wonderful story full of family drama and mystery. It's one of these books you just can't stop reading, despite having million things to do. You simply don't want to leave this beautiful fictional world Ms Drinkwater created. The descriptions are so vivid, you can almost smell the grapes in the harvesters hands, feel the French sun on your shoulders, feel the cool breeze after a long working day. I've never been to France, however this book transported me immediately and when I closed my eyes I could see the beautiful setting. It's a wonderful feeling when an author's style is so rich on details and so mighty good, you're being immediately transported to a land you've never even visited. This happens rarely to me, and I have such a deep respect for Ms Drinkwater because of this. Her words and mastery over them managed to keep my full attention and made me read the book in one single sitting.
The characters were amazing and their history was so interesting, I couldn't put the book down even for a second (I believe I read it cover to cover in 4-5 hours). The only thing which bothered me a bit and which is the reason for my rating is the time switching. The book opens in present, but we constantly go back in time, when Jane and Luc hooked up, met, first stay to France, etc..., but it did feel a bit confusing to me. The lack of chronology of the events did slow things down a bit for me, as I would need to go back and re-read some passages, however other than that, I absolutely enjoyed it.
Beautiful and rich writing, wonderful nature, and loads of secrets and intrigue - this book has it all. Strongly recommended to everyone looking for a good book he'll lose itself into. Be prepared to love it. I definitely can't wait to read more from Ms Drinkwater!
February 2, 2016
While accompanying her father on his new venture to sell wine in France, a young Jane meets Luc the son of Madame Cambon; the owner of the Les Cigales vineyard estate. They fall in love at a young age, until an incident with Madame Cambon means Jane is forbidden from ever returning.
Years later they meet up again and marry much to the vocal disapproval of Madame Cambon. This feud is exacerbated by an unpleasant scene that occurs at harvest, in which Clarisse Cambon blames her daughter in law.
When tragedy strikes, Jane is thrown into turmoil and family mysteries begin to unravel. What has Luc been hiding? Who is this man she has spent the last twenty years with?
A beautiful, atmospheric story of loss, family drama and mystery. The descriptions of Provence add to its charm with sights, sounds and smells transporting the reader into the heart of the Les Cigales estate. The characters are extremely well written and Jane’s raw emotions are clearly felt throughout.
I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Lovereading.co.uk and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this delightful story.
Years later they meet up again and marry much to the vocal disapproval of Madame Cambon. This feud is exacerbated by an unpleasant scene that occurs at harvest, in which Clarisse Cambon blames her daughter in law.
When tragedy strikes, Jane is thrown into turmoil and family mysteries begin to unravel. What has Luc been hiding? Who is this man she has spent the last twenty years with?
A beautiful, atmospheric story of loss, family drama and mystery. The descriptions of Provence add to its charm with sights, sounds and smells transporting the reader into the heart of the Les Cigales estate. The characters are extremely well written and Jane’s raw emotions are clearly felt throughout.
I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Lovereading.co.uk and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this delightful story.
March 11, 2016
I wanted to so much to love this book but I decided I just like it a lot. I wanted to love it because I thought there was a really good story here - strong. The problem I had was in the plotlines and how slow and ploddy they became. There was a lot of repetition of details, almost as if the writer thought we would forget a few pages down what happened a few pages before. Dialogue was wooden in places. The only person who leapt of the page through dialogue was Clarisse. Claude sounded like a text book and I found myself skimming lots of pages at the end because I wasn't too bothered about how to harvest olives and grapes.
That said, I do think this will be liked by a lot of people I got too easily annoyed by little things like the writer using the word 'about' when 'around would have done at least once.
See what you think - I wouldn't advise against picking this one up but you have been warned.
That said, I do think this will be liked by a lot of people I got too easily annoyed by little things like the writer using the word 'about' when 'around would have done at least once.
See what you think - I wouldn't advise against picking this one up but you have been warned.
February 26, 2016
The Forgotten Summer by Carol Drinkwater has such a brooding atmospheric cover showing us a woman strolling through a vineyard with a bike at her side. A vineyard in France set on acres of land is supposed to be idyllic but the dark foreboding clouds gathering overhead suggest anything but bliss and peace shall prevail throughout the course of this book. I had never heard of the author before reading this book and admit it was the cover that grabbed me. I had expected a nice easy read detailing long, lazy summer days in France heading towards the annual grape harvest with a bit of family drama thrown in. I got an awful lot more and was pleasantly surprised at the depth and emotion contained within this book. The Forgotten Summer proved to be an absorbing read packed full of drama, intrigue, mystery and family secrets which come to fruition over a year in the life of the Cambon's who live on a magnificent although troubled vineyard in France. Comparisons are made with Santa Montefiore and Victoria Hislop, both of whom are authors whose work I have adored, so this book had to be strong with a good plot and character development for such comparisons to prove true. Although initially I did find parts a bit slow the book turned out to be a brilliant read that drew me in ever so slowly until just like our main protagonist Jane Cambon I was dying to discover all the answers and secrets which had been kept hidden and to know why such mystery was needed in the first place? A fantastic love story combined with history and the unknown made for a fascinating read.
Jane Cambon is happily married to Luc who stands in line to inherit the vast Les Cigales estate famous for the quality of wine and olive oil it produces annually. The couple split their time between London and the estate and visit several times a year and always for the annual grape harvest. Although relations between Jane and her mother-in-law Clarisse are anything but cordial due to an event that occurred when Jane was just 14. We are drip fed hints throughout the first half of the book as to what may have caused such an iciness between the pair. I wanted the answer immediately but as they say patience is a virtue and we were not kept in suspense too long as this event is not the main element of the book although what occurred on that fatefully night will have repercussions further down the line. Jane is a translator and can take her work anywhere, as can Luc who makes films on various subjects that catch his eye. Luc is very driven and energetic, his work is his life and although he does his best to keep the estate running and in top shape his strict, cold hearted mother prefers to do things her own way without much help or advice. Slowly the estate is losing the charm it once had, production is not what it could be and since the death of her sister-in-law Isabelle, Clarisse has not been the same. There is a history to the family and how they came to settle in the area. To the locals even after all these years they are outsiders and not to be trusted. Clarisse, Isabelle and Luc escaped from Algeria during the war when the French attempted to keep Algeria in their control. Although French citizens the family had made their fortune in Algeria and when they returned and bought the estate they were viewed as traitors. I did wonder what this had to do with the overall storyline and actually asked myself this question several times during the book but Carol's writing and thought process was brilliant as every element of the story needed to be in place whether I viewed it as a minor or extra aspect at the time.
Luc and Jane appeared to be at a crossroads in their lives despite having been married for twenty years. Luc can see his responsibilities are growing and that more time will be needed at the estate. Jane is torn she loves Luc passionately but yet has commitments in London especially as her father is slipping further into dementia. Luc too is being secretive - many trips away, unanswered phone calls and secrecy surrounding his latest project. Clarisse is becoming ever more demanding believing the couple need to be full time on the estate but really you can't blame Jane from wanting to stay in London considering how angry, antagonistic and demanding Clarisse is. The open hostility between the pair is palpable and you were left wondering how could Luc maintain his marriage whilst keeping his mother happy whilst all at the same time making sure the estate is running successfully and making a profit? Then tragedy strikes which I hadn't seen coming in a million years and it left me devastated as so many questions were left unanswered and opportunities were lost. This event sees a huge shift in the novel, truthfully it had been a bit languid and slow up to that point I suppose you could compare it to the long hot Summer days in the French countryside but from this point on the story took on a whole other level. The secrets and lies began to pile up and I never knew who to trust or what to make of events. You are told one thing which makes you think differently about certain characters and their actions and you form an opinion only to find several pages later what you thought was true was not the case at all. Carol did a splendid job of keeping me guessing as to what the overall outcome would be. I was kept on my toes and bit by bit the layers were peeled back and so to were they for Jane as she undergoes a healing process and a rejuvenation. I was with her every step of the way and by the end she was a totally different person from the character we met in chapter one. Her transformation was incredible her attitudes, her strength and where with all shone through. I think she didn't realise she had the ability within her to continue on and I would have been the same considering the evidence presented to her would have left anyone in doubt.
Carol Drinkwater does emotion so well and the book was full of it. I really was on an emotional roller-coaster with all of the characters. Each had their part to play be it the main characters of Luc, Clarisse and Jane or the family who lived and worked on the estate - the Lefevre's who supported the family as best they could. I felt Jane's devastation at the turn of events. Yes there had been recent troubles between herself and Luc but underneath all that you could sense they had a deep and lasting bond and strong love for one another that would weather any storm but Luc clearly had been hiding things and I hoped with all my heart that Jane could uncover the truth and not have a changed opinion of him through misinformation, lies and secrets.
As the book was divided into sections I felt each part grew in strength and the pace followed that of a year in the vineyard each season bringing with it new challenges and things to do. I became ever more engrossed in the story and was delighted to witness the transformation of Jane as she unravels the clues and spools of information hidden within plain sight if you looked hard enough. She begins to break down barriers and attempts with every ounce of strength to make the vineyard the success it once was and return it to its former glory. Throughout the book we have flashbacks to when she first met Luc and at times they did crop up in the most unusual of places but overall they slotted in well with the main plot and themes of the book.
The Forgotten Summer was a delight to read. I had expected a story similar to that I had read by Fanny Blake of a family holidaying abroad and their underlying issues come to light but this was totally different and the comparisons to Santa Montefiore and Victoria Hislop were justified. In fact I would have liked even more of the historical element used within this book as the two aforementioned do with their books. The author clearly did a lot of research for this book and the fact mixes well with the fiction. I now know more about the Algerian War of Independence and what goes into producing wine. But where she really did shine through was her character development but also her vivid descriptions of her settings. The estate and it's surrounding land hummed with life and activity and was brilliantly described a real sense of time and place was evoked. I'm really glad I took a chance on this book because it turned out to be an excellent read and I look forward to reading more from this engaging,intriguing author.
Jane Cambon is happily married to Luc who stands in line to inherit the vast Les Cigales estate famous for the quality of wine and olive oil it produces annually. The couple split their time between London and the estate and visit several times a year and always for the annual grape harvest. Although relations between Jane and her mother-in-law Clarisse are anything but cordial due to an event that occurred when Jane was just 14. We are drip fed hints throughout the first half of the book as to what may have caused such an iciness between the pair. I wanted the answer immediately but as they say patience is a virtue and we were not kept in suspense too long as this event is not the main element of the book although what occurred on that fatefully night will have repercussions further down the line. Jane is a translator and can take her work anywhere, as can Luc who makes films on various subjects that catch his eye. Luc is very driven and energetic, his work is his life and although he does his best to keep the estate running and in top shape his strict, cold hearted mother prefers to do things her own way without much help or advice. Slowly the estate is losing the charm it once had, production is not what it could be and since the death of her sister-in-law Isabelle, Clarisse has not been the same. There is a history to the family and how they came to settle in the area. To the locals even after all these years they are outsiders and not to be trusted. Clarisse, Isabelle and Luc escaped from Algeria during the war when the French attempted to keep Algeria in their control. Although French citizens the family had made their fortune in Algeria and when they returned and bought the estate they were viewed as traitors. I did wonder what this had to do with the overall storyline and actually asked myself this question several times during the book but Carol's writing and thought process was brilliant as every element of the story needed to be in place whether I viewed it as a minor or extra aspect at the time.
Luc and Jane appeared to be at a crossroads in their lives despite having been married for twenty years. Luc can see his responsibilities are growing and that more time will be needed at the estate. Jane is torn she loves Luc passionately but yet has commitments in London especially as her father is slipping further into dementia. Luc too is being secretive - many trips away, unanswered phone calls and secrecy surrounding his latest project. Clarisse is becoming ever more demanding believing the couple need to be full time on the estate but really you can't blame Jane from wanting to stay in London considering how angry, antagonistic and demanding Clarisse is. The open hostility between the pair is palpable and you were left wondering how could Luc maintain his marriage whilst keeping his mother happy whilst all at the same time making sure the estate is running successfully and making a profit? Then tragedy strikes which I hadn't seen coming in a million years and it left me devastated as so many questions were left unanswered and opportunities were lost. This event sees a huge shift in the novel, truthfully it had been a bit languid and slow up to that point I suppose you could compare it to the long hot Summer days in the French countryside but from this point on the story took on a whole other level. The secrets and lies began to pile up and I never knew who to trust or what to make of events. You are told one thing which makes you think differently about certain characters and their actions and you form an opinion only to find several pages later what you thought was true was not the case at all. Carol did a splendid job of keeping me guessing as to what the overall outcome would be. I was kept on my toes and bit by bit the layers were peeled back and so to were they for Jane as she undergoes a healing process and a rejuvenation. I was with her every step of the way and by the end she was a totally different person from the character we met in chapter one. Her transformation was incredible her attitudes, her strength and where with all shone through. I think she didn't realise she had the ability within her to continue on and I would have been the same considering the evidence presented to her would have left anyone in doubt.
Carol Drinkwater does emotion so well and the book was full of it. I really was on an emotional roller-coaster with all of the characters. Each had their part to play be it the main characters of Luc, Clarisse and Jane or the family who lived and worked on the estate - the Lefevre's who supported the family as best they could. I felt Jane's devastation at the turn of events. Yes there had been recent troubles between herself and Luc but underneath all that you could sense they had a deep and lasting bond and strong love for one another that would weather any storm but Luc clearly had been hiding things and I hoped with all my heart that Jane could uncover the truth and not have a changed opinion of him through misinformation, lies and secrets.
As the book was divided into sections I felt each part grew in strength and the pace followed that of a year in the vineyard each season bringing with it new challenges and things to do. I became ever more engrossed in the story and was delighted to witness the transformation of Jane as she unravels the clues and spools of information hidden within plain sight if you looked hard enough. She begins to break down barriers and attempts with every ounce of strength to make the vineyard the success it once was and return it to its former glory. Throughout the book we have flashbacks to when she first met Luc and at times they did crop up in the most unusual of places but overall they slotted in well with the main plot and themes of the book.
The Forgotten Summer was a delight to read. I had expected a story similar to that I had read by Fanny Blake of a family holidaying abroad and their underlying issues come to light but this was totally different and the comparisons to Santa Montefiore and Victoria Hislop were justified. In fact I would have liked even more of the historical element used within this book as the two aforementioned do with their books. The author clearly did a lot of research for this book and the fact mixes well with the fiction. I now know more about the Algerian War of Independence and what goes into producing wine. But where she really did shine through was her character development but also her vivid descriptions of her settings. The estate and it's surrounding land hummed with life and activity and was brilliantly described a real sense of time and place was evoked. I'm really glad I took a chance on this book because it turned out to be an excellent read and I look forward to reading more from this engaging,intriguing author.
July 6, 2024
Banalybė didžiausia: nemylinti anyta, staiga miręs vyras palikęs daug paslapčių ir skolų, anyta kaltina marčią dėl jo mirties.
Knyga šiaip sau, tie gyvenimo posūkiai tokie jau perdaug. Iš pradžių knyga visai tokie nieko, bet po tų visų įvykių ji visiškai praranda įdomuma ir tampa nieku.
Tie įvykiai tokie nerealistiški ir perdėti pvz. Atsiranda iš niekur nieko kažkokia Anabelė ir tada boom 🤯 sužinome kad ji yra tiek Luko tiek Džeinės netikra sesuo tas Luką ir Džeinę daro šiek tiek giminėmis, bet jie buvo susituokę tai jie susituokę ir giminės, tiesiog painu.
Klarisė tikra anyta iš pragaro kokių reta. Ji geriau leis žmogui mirtį nuo gyvatės įkandimo nei leis nukentėti savo vynuogės. Ką!?!? Ji elgiasi su Džeine lyg ji nėra šeimos dalis, tarnai turi aukštesnę vietą nei ji, ir net po sūnaus mirties kai jos turėtų palaikyti viena kitą Klarisė elgiasi kaip kiaulė 🐷🐷.
Tie gražūs vynuogyno vaizdai išvis nesisieja su visom šitom dramos.
Knyga šiaip sau, tie gyvenimo posūkiai tokie jau perdaug. Iš pradžių knyga visai tokie nieko, bet po tų visų įvykių ji visiškai praranda įdomuma ir tampa nieku.
Tie įvykiai tokie nerealistiški ir perdėti pvz. Atsiranda iš niekur nieko kažkokia Anabelė ir tada boom 🤯 sužinome kad ji yra tiek Luko tiek Džeinės netikra sesuo tas Luką ir Džeinę daro šiek tiek giminėmis, bet jie buvo susituokę tai jie susituokę ir giminės, tiesiog painu.
Klarisė tikra anyta iš pragaro kokių reta. Ji geriau leis žmogui mirtį nuo gyvatės įkandimo nei leis nukentėti savo vynuogės. Ką!?!? Ji elgiasi su Džeine lyg ji nėra šeimos dalis, tarnai turi aukštesnę vietą nei ji, ir net po sūnaus mirties kai jos turėtų palaikyti viena kitą Klarisė elgiasi kaip kiaulė 🐷🐷.
Tie gražūs vynuogyno vaizdai išvis nesisieja su visom šitom dramos.
March 28, 2017
I really wanted to like this as I loved The Olive Farm trilogy but I couldn't get into it. I was expecting a lovely story set in sunny Provenance not in wintry wet Paris and England. I wasn't ready for the chapters filled with loss and grief and so reluctantly gave up when it was due back at the library.
April 13, 2017
Not surprised by either of the big surprises because by the time i got to them they were entirely predictable. enjoyed the descriptions of place though, just thought the same story could have been told in a shorter book
June 14, 2017
What a drag of a book. I didn't like the main character and didn't buy in to her and Luc's relationship. There were too many repetitive sections, too many questions asked by the protagonist and annoying use of French peppered in practically every paragraph. Don't waste your time or money on this!
July 20, 2022
Eindelijk uit.
Ik vond het verhaal magertjes en voorspelbaar. Ook 'het grote geheim' waar het ganse boek rondgeschreven is, stelde niet veel voor. Ik vond het irriterend dat de schrijfster maar rond de pot bleef draaien, waardoor je op het einde iets had van: 'is dit het maar?' Het boek had gerust 100 pagina's dunner kunnen zijn.
Waar ik wel van heb genoten waren de mooie natuurbeschrijvingen van de Provence, die spraken echt tot de verbeelding.
Ik vond het verhaal magertjes en voorspelbaar. Ook 'het grote geheim' waar het ganse boek rondgeschreven is, stelde niet veel voor. Ik vond het irriterend dat de schrijfster maar rond de pot bleef draaien, waardoor je op het einde iets had van: 'is dit het maar?' Het boek had gerust 100 pagina's dunner kunnen zijn.
Waar ik wel van heb genoten waren de mooie natuurbeschrijvingen van de Provence, die spraken echt tot de verbeelding.
April 16, 2023
3,5. Niet onverdeeld enthousiast. Beetje langdradig. Pluspunten voor de Franse setting.
March 7, 2017
I really like Carol and her non-fiction books, however this is her first fiction book I've read. Sadly it was a bit of a let down. I did enjoy listening to it initially, but the story just didn't develop. I found it overly long and drawn out and not much happens. It relied a lot on internal monologue of the central character (Jane) and that was way too over detailed. At one point I fell asleep for an hour and missed nothing. The big mystery was easy to guess very close to the start of the novel so there was no suspense for me.
The story tells of a woman (Jane) who doesn't get on with her mother in law but is devoted to her husband, Luke. They live in London where her father is in a care home. but are drawn back to the French vineyard of Luke's childhood. We don't know why Jane & her mother in law don't get on and this is dragged out a long time and then not very dramatic when revealed. I didn't much like Luke or his wife Jane and I found it difficult to care.
As a narrator Carol is good, although I do like author-narrators. She reads well and has the right voices and pace. Sadly the story was just too light and insipid for me.
The story tells of a woman (Jane) who doesn't get on with her mother in law but is devoted to her husband, Luke. They live in London where her father is in a care home. but are drawn back to the French vineyard of Luke's childhood. We don't know why Jane & her mother in law don't get on and this is dragged out a long time and then not very dramatic when revealed. I didn't much like Luke or his wife Jane and I found it difficult to care.
As a narrator Carol is good, although I do like author-narrators. She reads well and has the right voices and pace. Sadly the story was just too light and insipid for me.
February 11, 2016
The Forgotten Summer is set in Provence on a family run wine and olive estate. When a devastating drama hits the family, a web of hidden secrets come to light that cast doubts on the past and threatens the future of the business. Someone needs to step in, but who will be strong enough to take control?
Jane and Luc Cambon appear to be a close couple from different backgrounds, who split their time between their life in London and Luc’s family estate in Provence, where helping with the harvests is something they always look forward to. The estate is a special place for them both, but a difficult relationship with Luc’s mother Clarisse, leaves Jane emotionally exhausted and although Luc tries to reconcile the differences between the two women, they have an old secret neither have shared with him. Clarisse is the matriarch, hard and cold on the outside, set in her ways and with a strength that comes from a difficult past. I found her a very interesting character to get to know.
This book is intriguing from the start. Carol is an excellent storyteller; layering the story from the beginning with lots of little morsels of family secrets, feuds, family history and French history, all dotted in and built on throughout the book. My mind was often running ahead and supposing what was coming next and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a very emotional read that did make me cry, but following the initial despair and heartbreak comes the rebuilding and back-tracking into the past, solving the mysteries that will eventually enable them to move on to a better future.
Set with a backdrop of Provençal vineyards and olive groves, with scents of the French countryside and sunshine to warm you, Carol will take you away as you become immersed in the unusual life of the Cambon family, where no one is quite who they first seemed to be. I'm sure readers will love it.
Jane and Luc Cambon appear to be a close couple from different backgrounds, who split their time between their life in London and Luc’s family estate in Provence, where helping with the harvests is something they always look forward to. The estate is a special place for them both, but a difficult relationship with Luc’s mother Clarisse, leaves Jane emotionally exhausted and although Luc tries to reconcile the differences between the two women, they have an old secret neither have shared with him. Clarisse is the matriarch, hard and cold on the outside, set in her ways and with a strength that comes from a difficult past. I found her a very interesting character to get to know.
This book is intriguing from the start. Carol is an excellent storyteller; layering the story from the beginning with lots of little morsels of family secrets, feuds, family history and French history, all dotted in and built on throughout the book. My mind was often running ahead and supposing what was coming next and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a very emotional read that did make me cry, but following the initial despair and heartbreak comes the rebuilding and back-tracking into the past, solving the mysteries that will eventually enable them to move on to a better future.
Set with a backdrop of Provençal vineyards and olive groves, with scents of the French countryside and sunshine to warm you, Carol will take you away as you become immersed in the unusual life of the Cambon family, where no one is quite who they first seemed to be. I'm sure readers will love it.
April 6, 2017
5/5
This book is safely stored in my handbag and can be enjoyed at any time, but a generous glass of Chateauneuf du Pape is a recommended companion.
I devoured Drinkwater’s memoirs and drank up her wisdom, and her novel, Forgotten Summer, did not disappoint me. Drinkwater wraps up her nougats of wisdom, and powerful observations, in a beautifully crafted narrative.
This is so much more than the story of an English girl that fell in love with a Frenchman. Jane’s memories of her life, thirty years on, are the starting point for Jane’s exploration of another world that her husband inhabited. This is a tender story that shows how the strength of Jane and Luc’s love can guide Jane as she explores the secrets in her late husband’s life.
This love story has greater poignancy because the mature woman reflects on her relationship with her late husband: and their love is like a compass that guides her through some confusing discoveries. Jane must find a way to appreciate those ‘gifts that life had given her’ again as she works through the ‘desolation’ that she faces without Luc.
As Jane, pieces clues together about her husband, and tries to establish if he died in suspicious circumstances, the halcyon days of her relationship sustain her, nourish her senses and push her away from the abyss. A deeper understanding of her love for Luc remind her to live and she absorbs herself in his passion for the vineyard.
It is as if the Jane’s memories are freeze frames that flicker in her mind like a montage, until she pieces the clues together, and learns more about their love. Drinkwater is very skilled at weaving in the questions, and making sure that the reader needs to solve the mystery. But her central character’s emotional journey fuses the narrative together and makes the reader reflect, and I adore a book that makes you learn about yourself.
This book is safely stored in my handbag and can be enjoyed at any time, but a generous glass of Chateauneuf du Pape is a recommended companion.
I devoured Drinkwater’s memoirs and drank up her wisdom, and her novel, Forgotten Summer, did not disappoint me. Drinkwater wraps up her nougats of wisdom, and powerful observations, in a beautifully crafted narrative.
This is so much more than the story of an English girl that fell in love with a Frenchman. Jane’s memories of her life, thirty years on, are the starting point for Jane’s exploration of another world that her husband inhabited. This is a tender story that shows how the strength of Jane and Luc’s love can guide Jane as she explores the secrets in her late husband’s life.
This love story has greater poignancy because the mature woman reflects on her relationship with her late husband: and their love is like a compass that guides her through some confusing discoveries. Jane must find a way to appreciate those ‘gifts that life had given her’ again as she works through the ‘desolation’ that she faces without Luc.
As Jane, pieces clues together about her husband, and tries to establish if he died in suspicious circumstances, the halcyon days of her relationship sustain her, nourish her senses and push her away from the abyss. A deeper understanding of her love for Luc remind her to live and she absorbs herself in his passion for the vineyard.
It is as if the Jane’s memories are freeze frames that flicker in her mind like a montage, until she pieces the clues together, and learns more about their love. Drinkwater is very skilled at weaving in the questions, and making sure that the reader needs to solve the mystery. But her central character’s emotional journey fuses the narrative together and makes the reader reflect, and I adore a book that makes you learn about yourself.
June 3, 2016
Jane and Luc have been married for several years. Jane is a shy translator from England, and Luc is a passionate French documentary filmmaker. They share their time between London and the South of France where Luc’s mother is running a wine estate. When he suddenly has an accident, Jane discovers that her husband had a few secrets of his own. Now she has to piece her life back together, while dealing with her very difficult mother-in-law, Clarisse, a Pied Noir who settled in France after the Algerian War of Independence.
I loved Carol Drinkwater’s Olive series where she wrote about her experience moving to France and buying an olive farm in Provence. So I was curious to read one of her books of fiction. In The Forgotten Summer, the author’s love of Provence shines through, as she writes beautiful descriptions of the South of France. However, these descriptions sometimes run a tad too long, and repetitions drag down the story.
The book deals with the Algerian War of Independence from France (1954-1962), a pivotal moment in French history. I found this part of the novel especially interesting, and I would have liked to know more about the Secret Armed Organization, a far-right movement that carried out bombings and assassinations in order to try to keep Algeria under French rule. Nevertheless, even though the book was uneven, I was genuinely interested in Jane’s fate, and the ending was satisfying. I must say though that I preferred Carol Drinkwater’s Olive series.
The Forgotten Summer was sent to me for free in exchange for an honest review.
To read the full review, please go to my blog (Cecile Sune - Book Obsessed).
I loved Carol Drinkwater’s Olive series where she wrote about her experience moving to France and buying an olive farm in Provence. So I was curious to read one of her books of fiction. In The Forgotten Summer, the author’s love of Provence shines through, as she writes beautiful descriptions of the South of France. However, these descriptions sometimes run a tad too long, and repetitions drag down the story.
The book deals with the Algerian War of Independence from France (1954-1962), a pivotal moment in French history. I found this part of the novel especially interesting, and I would have liked to know more about the Secret Armed Organization, a far-right movement that carried out bombings and assassinations in order to try to keep Algeria under French rule. Nevertheless, even though the book was uneven, I was genuinely interested in Jane’s fate, and the ending was satisfying. I must say though that I preferred Carol Drinkwater’s Olive series.
The Forgotten Summer was sent to me for free in exchange for an honest review.
To read the full review, please go to my blog (Cecile Sune - Book Obsessed).
January 22, 2016
I was sent a pre publication ARC of Carol Drinkwater's
novel ,'The Forgotten Summer,'due for release March 2016. The book was sent to me for an honest and constructive review from the publisher.
This a rare find in a book, a real Jewel in the crown and sums up to me what epic books and literature must do to impress their readership.
It is exquisite in the way it evokes and weaves the beautiful French setting in, almost an extra player in the drama, and so subtly as the plot progresses.
The characterisation is superb, particularly of the women who are all strong in their own way and the gradual exposition of the story helps to put even more flesh on those bones.
There are lots of secrets involving several characters. Even the serving family headed up by Marti are drawn into these and it all makes for fraught at times quite vivid tense scenes.
Luc and Jane are really only there as visitors and are upset about the state of farm. Then a tragedy strikes opening repercussions with consequences for all.
An absolutely outstanding book which I could put down until I finished at 4.30 am. Look no further for an intelligently written book with twists and turns I hadn't seen coming. Epicly excellent.
novel ,'The Forgotten Summer,'due for release March 2016. The book was sent to me for an honest and constructive review from the publisher.
This a rare find in a book, a real Jewel in the crown and sums up to me what epic books and literature must do to impress their readership.
It is exquisite in the way it evokes and weaves the beautiful French setting in, almost an extra player in the drama, and so subtly as the plot progresses.
The characterisation is superb, particularly of the women who are all strong in their own way and the gradual exposition of the story helps to put even more flesh on those bones.
There are lots of secrets involving several characters. Even the serving family headed up by Marti are drawn into these and it all makes for fraught at times quite vivid tense scenes.
Luc and Jane are really only there as visitors and are upset about the state of farm. Then a tragedy strikes opening repercussions with consequences for all.
An absolutely outstanding book which I could put down until I finished at 4.30 am. Look no further for an intelligently written book with twists and turns I hadn't seen coming. Epicly excellent.
August 16, 2016
'The Forgotten Summer' by Carol Drinkwater was an epic family story set in Provence. It revolved around the Cambon family, their vineyard, and dark secrets from the past. The descriptions of the countryside are lovely, but for me there are too many lengthy depictions of the harvest, wine-making and olive picking that tend to slow the story down. The plot was engaging up to a point. Once the secrets are revealed, I was disappointed. The motives for each character's actions seemed weak or unrealistic. (Spoiler) Would a mother really be so cruel to her child? Would a 14-year-old girl have so much power over two adults? Would a man so in love with his wife really hide things from her in order to protect her, when, in fact, they would have made her happy? The matriarch was written in such a ghoulish way there was no hope of sympathy for her and Jane the protagonist was far too stubborn and self-absorbed. I was interested in the bits about the Algerian War of Independence from France that forms part of the background to the story and would have liked that part of the plot to be further developed.
February 3, 2016
Oh to be Jane, living in a gorgeous Provencal farmhouse in France, with the smell of lavender and the crisp September air. I was transported to Les Cigales in an instant and there I stayed through the hate, the secrets and the tragedy of Carol Drinkwater's wonderfully descriptive tale.
Littered with French words and beautifully penned, Jane and her husband Luc's life is captured and the the reader cannot help but fall in love.
Family drama, loss and mystery, Jane needs to find out what her husband was hiding and who knows. Her mother in law Clarisse hates her and has a vile and unnecessary nature. But is she the only person who can help Jane??
I got so involved with this book and was sad when I finished it, I adore Carol's books. She has a way of combining love and mystery along with her love of France that the reader cannot help but be totally absorbed.
For me it just doesn't get any better.
Littered with French words and beautifully penned, Jane and her husband Luc's life is captured and the the reader cannot help but fall in love.
Family drama, loss and mystery, Jane needs to find out what her husband was hiding and who knows. Her mother in law Clarisse hates her and has a vile and unnecessary nature. But is she the only person who can help Jane??
I got so involved with this book and was sad when I finished it, I adore Carol's books. She has a way of combining love and mystery along with her love of France that the reader cannot help but be totally absorbed.
For me it just doesn't get any better.
February 9, 2018
Very positive book, full of beautiful views of Provanse. Best thing, that the author lets the reader forst to decide what could happen and only then tells the truth. After reading this book, only thing you want to do is to tell your beloved persons how much you love them. And also you start to believe that everyhing in life happens for a reason and everything is possible, just with less or more effort..
August 8, 2019
Skambus aprašymas žadantis jausmingą dramą, o istorija pasirodė tarsi apie nieką. Labai ištempta. Tikrai retai taip sakau, bet čia paprasčiausiai silpnas siužetas įvilktas į begalinį to paties per tą patį kartojimą.
Prasideda gražiai - Prancūzija, vynuogynai, šeima, kurioje lyg ir ne viskas gerai... Meilė tarp vyro ir moters, o intrigos dėlei marčios neapkenčianti anyta. Ta neapykanta labai stipri, vietomis perdėta, bet skaitytojui neatskleidžiama kodėl, turbūt siekiant išlaikyti intrigą.
Tuomet vyras žūsta avarijoje (daugybė puslapių tempiama pasakojant apie moters nenorą patikėti įvykiu) ir paaiškėja, kad buvo prasiskolinęs. O tada prasideda (geras trečdalis knygos) - apmąstymai kodėl žmona nieko nežinojo apie vyro darbo ir finansinius reikalus, konfliktai su anyta, įvairiausios paieškos (šuns, užrašų knygelės ir pan.). Puslapis po puslapio iš esmės nevyksta visiškai nieko, tik pirmyn ir atgal stumdoma veikėja. Man buvo labai nuobodu.
Tuomet pagaliau atskleidžiama intriga, turėjusi išlaikyti skaitytoją iki pat galo. Paaiškėja, kad galbūt vyras turėjo meilužę ir vaiką. Taip pat, kad veikėja turi seserį. Paskui, žinoma, meilužės nelieka (koks suklydimas), kad vyras visų akyse išliktų kaip gerietis. Taigi duotoji intriga išgaruoja, ir iš esmės nieko ir nebelieka. Visą istoriją laukus kažko autorė taip ir palieka tuščiomis rankomis. Galbūt kyla tik klausimas, kaip tokia didelė meilė neturėjo atvirumo? Kaip toks mylintis ir nuostabus vyras visiškai nieko nepasakojo apie finansines bėdas ir darbą savo dievinamai žmonai?
Tačiau autorė mano, kad tai vis viena meilė ir tikisi, kad taip manys jos skaitytojai.
Na, aš nepamaniau. Nes netikroviška. Nesuradau čia nei romantikos, nei detektyvo, nei dramos, tik daug veiksmo apie nieką ir įvykių, kurie istorijai visai nesvarbūs.
Prasideda gražiai - Prancūzija, vynuogynai, šeima, kurioje lyg ir ne viskas gerai... Meilė tarp vyro ir moters, o intrigos dėlei marčios neapkenčianti anyta. Ta neapykanta labai stipri, vietomis perdėta, bet skaitytojui neatskleidžiama kodėl, turbūt siekiant išlaikyti intrigą.
Tuomet vyras žūsta avarijoje (daugybė puslapių tempiama pasakojant apie moters nenorą patikėti įvykiu) ir paaiškėja, kad buvo prasiskolinęs. O tada prasideda (geras trečdalis knygos) - apmąstymai kodėl žmona nieko nežinojo apie vyro darbo ir finansinius reikalus, konfliktai su anyta, įvairiausios paieškos (šuns, užrašų knygelės ir pan.). Puslapis po puslapio iš esmės nevyksta visiškai nieko, tik pirmyn ir atgal stumdoma veikėja. Man buvo labai nuobodu.
Tuomet pagaliau atskleidžiama intriga, turėjusi išlaikyti skaitytoją iki pat galo. Paaiškėja, kad galbūt vyras turėjo meilužę ir vaiką. Taip pat, kad veikėja turi seserį. Paskui, žinoma, meilužės nelieka (koks suklydimas), kad vyras visų akyse išliktų kaip gerietis. Taigi duotoji intriga išgaruoja, ir iš esmės nieko ir nebelieka. Visą istoriją laukus kažko autorė taip ir palieka tuščiomis rankomis. Galbūt kyla tik klausimas, kaip tokia didelė meilė neturėjo atvirumo? Kaip toks mylintis ir nuostabus vyras visiškai nieko nepasakojo apie finansines bėdas ir darbą savo dievinamai žmonai?
Tačiau autorė mano, kad tai vis viena meilė ir tikisi, kad taip manys jos skaitytojai.
Na, aš nepamaniau. Nes netikroviška. Nesuradau čia nei romantikos, nei detektyvo, nei dramos, tik daug veiksmo apie nieką ir įvykių, kurie istorijai visai nesvarbūs.
September 15, 2017
de auteur je mee naar het mooie Zuid-Frankrijk, de beelden die zij schetst zijn erg mooi en nemen je mee op reis. Je waant je tijdens het lezen ook echt in de Provence. De lokale bevolking speelt een grote rol bij het op peil houden van een wijngaard. Dit wordt in het verhaal ook erg goed beschreven. Maar aangezien ik bijna twintig jaar temidden van de wijndruiven woon en de teelt en oogst dan ook van dichtbij meemaak, was het soms een beetje overbodige info, die te langdradig uitgeschreven werd.
Het verhaal is verdeeld in drie delen. In het eerste deel wordt veel uitgelegd maar komt de auteur niet ‘to the point’. Er zijn veel terugblikken in het verleden waar veel is gebeurd, maar er wordt nergens een tipje van de sluier opgelicht. Je blijft daarom lang met allerlei vragen zitten. Hierdoor was ik niet aan het boek gekluisterd, terwijl ik die verwachting wel had.
Het tweede deel begint erg goed, meer in het heden. Maar ook daar raak ik op een gegeven moment de weg kwijt door allerlei feiten die nergens toe leiden.
Het derde deel maakt alles goed, er komt vaart in en uiteindelijk worden de verhallijnen ontrafeld. Na het lezen van de epiloog werden voor mij het verhaal en de titel pas duidelijk.
Dit was mijn eerste boek van deze auteur, helaas heeft ze mij niet in vervoering gebracht en beoordeel ik het boek met 3 sterren.
Het verhaal is verdeeld in drie delen. In het eerste deel wordt veel uitgelegd maar komt de auteur niet ‘to the point’. Er zijn veel terugblikken in het verleden waar veel is gebeurd, maar er wordt nergens een tipje van de sluier opgelicht. Je blijft daarom lang met allerlei vragen zitten. Hierdoor was ik niet aan het boek gekluisterd, terwijl ik die verwachting wel had.
Het tweede deel begint erg goed, meer in het heden. Maar ook daar raak ik op een gegeven moment de weg kwijt door allerlei feiten die nergens toe leiden.
Het derde deel maakt alles goed, er komt vaart in en uiteindelijk worden de verhallijnen ontrafeld. Na het lezen van de epiloog werden voor mij het verhaal en de titel pas duidelijk.
Dit was mijn eerste boek van deze auteur, helaas heeft ze mij niet in vervoering gebracht en beoordeel ik het boek met 3 sterren.
September 13, 2023
This Book is good. Its set in three locations: Provence, Paris and England, however it is mainly set in Provence, Crazy Things Happen, The Premise of it is that the woman jane lives (part time) at Les Cigales, A Winery in Provence, France. Some crazy old Dutch woman gets bitten by a snake, destroys a load of grapes so Jane gets yelled at by Clarisse, some woman who, is French, but born in Algeria (Pied-Noirs). The Epilogue explains their journey from Algeria to France, its only 20 Pages and it revealed that Clarisse . Thank god for that! Covers up a massive plot hole! So Janes husband, Luc I swear to god if that little shit didn't this book would've been like 200 pages or something, would've been that if Jane hadn't gone rummaging around his shit and just moved to Paris or died or something, like if I was her I'd just move to Paris or Nice and forget everything that happened.
So in the end she
4/5 written very well but too much French and also loads of stuff happens read to find out 😂😂
So in the end she
4/5 written very well but too much French and also loads of stuff happens read to find out 😂😂
June 30, 2019
I really loved this book, probably because it is set in the South of France, a particularly special place for me. The description of the land is so precise it is obvious the author is not only familiar with it but has a real passion for the area.
I completely immersed myself in the daily life of the Cambon family and their history (not a particularly pleasant one) and one where I remember reading about the atrocities.
The characters and personalities were so real that I found myself becoming angry with Clarisse, irritated, at times, with Luc, concerned for Claude and his wife and family and a little frustrated with Jane and her acceptance of Luc’s compromises towards his mother, but this is all good as it shows how well the author gives the reader a peripheral position in her novel.
I think it could have been a slightly shorter novel as the author had the majority of her characters ‘pussyfooting’ around Clarisse instead of someone getting to grips with her garrulous behaviour.
Love historical mysteries and even more so if the descriptiveness is cleverly crafted and makes you want to be there.
I completely immersed myself in the daily life of the Cambon family and their history (not a particularly pleasant one) and one where I remember reading about the atrocities.
The characters and personalities were so real that I found myself becoming angry with Clarisse, irritated, at times, with Luc, concerned for Claude and his wife and family and a little frustrated with Jane and her acceptance of Luc’s compromises towards his mother, but this is all good as it shows how well the author gives the reader a peripheral position in her novel.
I think it could have been a slightly shorter novel as the author had the majority of her characters ‘pussyfooting’ around Clarisse instead of someone getting to grips with her garrulous behaviour.
Love historical mysteries and even more so if the descriptiveness is cleverly crafted and makes you want to be there.
March 10, 2021
This is an astoundingly good novel by an author who describes places, people and times in such a way that we are transported there.
It is a story of a family living in the south of France among idyllic vineyards and olive groves, but with a dark history and difficult relationships.
It is the story of the love between Jane and Luc, childhood friends who later became man and wife.
The colonial history of the French in Algeria, the position of refugees and dealing with grief and sacrifice are all themes in this far reaching family saga.
I was totally absorbed by her mesmerising writing - the description of the gorgeous landscapes, the development of the characters and the storyline which held a few unexpected twists which added an element of mystery.
The 'epilogue' was a detailed and moving master-stroke of novel construction, going back in time to finish off loose ends. I felt that the events described in it formed a contrast to those in the preceding chapter as well as giving an explanation to how they were able to have come about.
This is a very memorable novel of great quality.
It is a story of a family living in the south of France among idyllic vineyards and olive groves, but with a dark history and difficult relationships.
It is the story of the love between Jane and Luc, childhood friends who later became man and wife.
The colonial history of the French in Algeria, the position of refugees and dealing with grief and sacrifice are all themes in this far reaching family saga.
I was totally absorbed by her mesmerising writing - the description of the gorgeous landscapes, the development of the characters and the storyline which held a few unexpected twists which added an element of mystery.
The 'epilogue' was a detailed and moving master-stroke of novel construction, going back in time to finish off loose ends. I felt that the events described in it formed a contrast to those in the preceding chapter as well as giving an explanation to how they were able to have come about.
This is a very memorable novel of great quality.
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