The Last Season

by Ronald Florence

Later, after the war began, the summer of '41 would be remembered in Newport, Rhode Island as The Last Season, the last magical summer social season before Pearl Harbor, the end of an era of social glitter and privilege. It was a halcyon time, when the beautiful daughter of a Portuguese fisherman could be swept off her feet by a handsome and wealthy young lieutenant from the Naval War College. Sera and Russell are caught up in a fairy-tale dream of romance and privilege, and Jake, Sera's childhood sweetheart, can only stand by and watch hopelessly.

But in the real world of 1941, fairy tales may not end happily ever after. The differences in Sera and Russell's background and class are as inescapable as the political and military situation that will plunge America into the war. And Russell, cultivated by a mysterious outsider who is generous with cash and the loan of a fancy car, thinks nothing of talking about secret naval war games. After all, they're only games . . . .

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Ronald Florence is a novelist and historian, author of twelve books. Educated at Berkeley and Harvard, he taught at colleges and universities, ran a foundation, raced sailboats, and raised Cotswold sheep before turning to full-time writing. He lives in Providence, RI and travels in Europe and the Middle East to research his books.

Reviews

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I managed to drag myself through this one. I was bored a lot of the time. The depiction of Sera was so obviously written by a man...focused entirely on her outward beauty. All of the guys were drooling over her? Seriously, women are more than something to be chased and caught by rich playboys. At least she showed some wisdom near the end.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this book was a delightful combination of WWII and Newport, Rhode Island, which is wonderfully entwined in this engaging page tuner.

[Judith L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having never visited Newport, R.I. or toured the famous Ocean Walk, I eagerly awaited reading Ronald Florence's novel - THE LAST SEASON, set in this locale. Seraphina, a beautiful Portuguese girl is easily attracted to both Russell, societies' golden boy and Jake, a local shipbuilder. Will their different lifestyles bring them happiness or cause disaster in the summer of 1941? This novel presents an interesting Cinderella story approach, complete with pregnancy, deceit, espionage, sailing lore and ultimately death. Just who became her Prince Charming - Russell or Jake! Good quick read on a nasty weather day.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction, romance, spy novel all wrapped into one. Kinda fun!