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Een zomer vol herinneringen
Een aangrijpende roman over twee vrouwen: de ene verliest langzaam al haar herinneringen, de andere kan het verleden maar niet vergeten
Hebe is nog maar drieënvijftig als ze te horen krijgt dat ze een vroege vorm van alzheimer heeft. Ze doet haar best de kwaliteit van haar leven, haar baan en de relatie met haar man en kinderen te behouden, maar als ze elke dag een beetje meer van zichzelf verliest, raakt ze in paniek. Ze vlucht naar de enige plek waar ze zich veilig en geborgen voelt: het familievakantiehuis in Cornwall.
Hebes nichtje Lucy worstelt juist met herinneringen die ze maar niet kan vergeten, hoe graag ze ook zou willen. Ze volgt haar tante naar Cornwall, in de hoop daar de rust te vinden die ze zo nodig heeft. Maar bij aankomst wordt al snel duidelijk dat het geheim dat Lucy al tien jaar heeft moeten bewaren zo zijn eigen manieren heeft om aan de oppervlakte te komen.
De twee vrouwen ontdekken ieder voor zich dat ze in de loop der tijd uit het oog hebben verloren wat echt belangrijk voor hen is, en dat loslaten ook een bevrijding kan betekenen.
Hebe is nog maar drieënvijftig als ze te horen krijgt dat ze een vroege vorm van alzheimer heeft. Ze doet haar best de kwaliteit van haar leven, haar baan en de relatie met haar man en kinderen te behouden, maar als ze elke dag een beetje meer van zichzelf verliest, raakt ze in paniek. Ze vlucht naar de enige plek waar ze zich veilig en geborgen voelt: het familievakantiehuis in Cornwall.
Hebes nichtje Lucy worstelt juist met herinneringen die ze maar niet kan vergeten, hoe graag ze ook zou willen. Ze volgt haar tante naar Cornwall, in de hoop daar de rust te vinden die ze zo nodig heeft. Maar bij aankomst wordt al snel duidelijk dat het geheim dat Lucy al tien jaar heeft moeten bewaren zo zijn eigen manieren heeft om aan de oppervlakte te komen.
De twee vrouwen ontdekken ieder voor zich dat ze in de loop der tijd uit het oog hebben verloren wat echt belangrijk voor hen is, en dat loslaten ook een bevrijding kan betekenen.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
135 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Liz Fenwick
26 books580 followersAward winning author of ten novels and two novellas. The latest is The Secrets of Harbour House out in the UK in July 2025. There are translated editions of my novels available in Dutch, German, Portuguese, French, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Estonian, Latvian, Turkish, Serbian, Czech, Hungarian, Italian, and Finnish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 14, 2018
I read some rave reviews of this book which prompted me to read this, my first by Liz Fenwick. This turned out to be a wonderfully moving read, set amidst the atmospheric beauty and striking landscape of Cornwall. It focuses on memories, history, family, cross generational and personal relationships, the impact of the past on the present, and the dilapidated Helwyn House, known to locals as Hell House. 53 year old academic and historian, Hebe receives a devastating medical diagnosis of Alzheimer's, which has her worried and stressed about all the attendant implications for her work, herself and all those that she is close to. This has her make the seemingly impulsive decision to move to Cornwall, an area that means so much to her and feels more like home. Her family are alarmed when Hebe buys Helwyn House with the intention of restoring it.
Hebe's niece, Lucy, follows her aunt to Cornwall after the heartbreak of the disastrous collapse of her relationship. Lucy has different, more disturbing feelings towards Helwyn House than her aunt. With multiple threads, Fenwick gives us a mystery that all begins to connect through the narrative. The authentic presentation of Alzheimer's in Hebe speaks of detailed research on the condition as her memories begin to desert her, which whilst bleak has a glimmer of hope. Fenwick excels in her skilful handling of relationships, the personal, the romantic, the challenging and the toxic, and extends this to how people have different feelings towards a house. I loved the inclusion of John Donne's poetry interspersed in the novel. This is a beautifully written and entertaining book, shot through with humour, touching on secrets and serious issues that are approached with humanity. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
Hebe's niece, Lucy, follows her aunt to Cornwall after the heartbreak of the disastrous collapse of her relationship. Lucy has different, more disturbing feelings towards Helwyn House than her aunt. With multiple threads, Fenwick gives us a mystery that all begins to connect through the narrative. The authentic presentation of Alzheimer's in Hebe speaks of detailed research on the condition as her memories begin to desert her, which whilst bleak has a glimmer of hope. Fenwick excels in her skilful handling of relationships, the personal, the romantic, the challenging and the toxic, and extends this to how people have different feelings towards a house. I loved the inclusion of John Donne's poetry interspersed in the novel. This is a beautifully written and entertaining book, shot through with humour, touching on secrets and serious issues that are approached with humanity. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
March 11, 2018
As a huge Liz Fenwick fan since first discovering her debut, The Cornish House five years ago, I eagerly await the publication of each new book she writes. I’m really pleased to say that I loved her new book, One Cornish Summer, which has all the things I’ve grown to love about Liz Fenwick’s stories.
This book captures the magical atmospheric essence of Cornwall that only those who have visited Cornwall can truly understand. Helwyn House, locally known as Hell House in the book, comes to life as it wraps itself around the characters and refuses to let go. The old ruin of a house with its loggia (I’ve learnt a new word) and overgrown garden felt so mystical. I loved how Lucy used to think it was haunted, and how the little girl in her was still spooked by the place. Whereas her aunt, Hebe, on the other hand, only seemed able to love and see potential in the house. Those who have read Liz Fenwick’s previous books will be aware of the importance buildings and locations play in the storyline, and One Cornish Summer is no different. I didn’t realise until after reading this book that Helwyn House is inspired by Godolphin House, which perhaps is not the most grand of National Trust houses. For a somewhat impressive country house it has a less extravagant and more humble feel to it, and that really came across in this novel.
There are some great characters in this book. Hebe and her niece, Lucy have well-hidden secrets and struggles to face, as Hebe is forced to deal with health issues, while Lucy is running away from a life that hasn’t quite gone to plan. The character I related to most was Hebe because of her memory issues. I’m always making lists too. I was reading this book witnessing her struggle with her memory loss, and thought how unfortunate it is that I will rapidly forget most of this book soon after finishing reading it, and may eventually forget Hebe, unless someone reminds me of her or I look back on the scribbles in my notebook used as a reminder to help me write my review. Seeing what Hebe was going through was the hardest and most emotional part of this story for me. However, although I did have tears in my eyes near the end, One Cornish Summer was definitely gentler on my emotions than The Returning Tide, which had me in pieces, so that was a relief in a way.
Even though there is a very serious side to this story, it also has a positive feel to it, making me smile and giggle in places, be it comments about pesky brambles and chin-high nettles (don’t even get me started on those. I have fallen out of love with gardening thanks to their ruthless and brutal behaviour), and that there are hardly any shops to buy clothes down here. It’s true. If it wasn’t for Seasalt I’d probably be walking around naked by now! Oh, and I bet I’m not the only person who pictures Kit Harrington every time Kit Williams is on the page. A bit of eye candy always helps to keep the heart fluttering.
I know when it comes to Liz Fenwick books I’m probably beginning to sound like a scratched record on constant repeat, but if you love her previous books, or haven’t yet read anything by her but enjoy character led stories and the intrigue and magic of Cornwall, then I highly recommend One Cornish Summer (as well as all her previous books).
My review (with added photos) is also available on my blog here:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...
This book captures the magical atmospheric essence of Cornwall that only those who have visited Cornwall can truly understand. Helwyn House, locally known as Hell House in the book, comes to life as it wraps itself around the characters and refuses to let go. The old ruin of a house with its loggia (I’ve learnt a new word) and overgrown garden felt so mystical. I loved how Lucy used to think it was haunted, and how the little girl in her was still spooked by the place. Whereas her aunt, Hebe, on the other hand, only seemed able to love and see potential in the house. Those who have read Liz Fenwick’s previous books will be aware of the importance buildings and locations play in the storyline, and One Cornish Summer is no different. I didn’t realise until after reading this book that Helwyn House is inspired by Godolphin House, which perhaps is not the most grand of National Trust houses. For a somewhat impressive country house it has a less extravagant and more humble feel to it, and that really came across in this novel.
There are some great characters in this book. Hebe and her niece, Lucy have well-hidden secrets and struggles to face, as Hebe is forced to deal with health issues, while Lucy is running away from a life that hasn’t quite gone to plan. The character I related to most was Hebe because of her memory issues. I’m always making lists too. I was reading this book witnessing her struggle with her memory loss, and thought how unfortunate it is that I will rapidly forget most of this book soon after finishing reading it, and may eventually forget Hebe, unless someone reminds me of her or I look back on the scribbles in my notebook used as a reminder to help me write my review. Seeing what Hebe was going through was the hardest and most emotional part of this story for me. However, although I did have tears in my eyes near the end, One Cornish Summer was definitely gentler on my emotions than The Returning Tide, which had me in pieces, so that was a relief in a way.
Even though there is a very serious side to this story, it also has a positive feel to it, making me smile and giggle in places, be it comments about pesky brambles and chin-high nettles (don’t even get me started on those. I have fallen out of love with gardening thanks to their ruthless and brutal behaviour), and that there are hardly any shops to buy clothes down here. It’s true. If it wasn’t for Seasalt I’d probably be walking around naked by now! Oh, and I bet I’m not the only person who pictures Kit Harrington every time Kit Williams is on the page. A bit of eye candy always helps to keep the heart fluttering.
I know when it comes to Liz Fenwick books I’m probably beginning to sound like a scratched record on constant repeat, but if you love her previous books, or haven’t yet read anything by her but enjoy character led stories and the intrigue and magic of Cornwall, then I highly recommend One Cornish Summer (as well as all her previous books).
My review (with added photos) is also available on my blog here:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...
February 9, 2018
Simply outstanding. A haunting study of cross-generational relationships.
Liz Fenwick has an unerring eye for atmosphere; the shades of her adopted Cornwall pervade this book. It is a truly wonderful and emotional read.
It is facile to describe a book as a "page-turner", but this really is a book I found hard to put down. The story and characters gripped me from the first page.
With two women, Lucy and Hebe, the secrets they have to keep and the decisions they must make, you have a story that will carry you away.
Liz Fenwick's last novel, The Returning Tide, was outstanding. My best read of last year. One Cornish Summer is a giant step forward from that.
Liz Fenwick has an unerring eye for atmosphere; the shades of her adopted Cornwall pervade this book. It is a truly wonderful and emotional read.
It is facile to describe a book as a "page-turner", but this really is a book I found hard to put down. The story and characters gripped me from the first page.
With two women, Lucy and Hebe, the secrets they have to keep and the decisions they must make, you have a story that will carry you away.
Liz Fenwick's last novel, The Returning Tide, was outstanding. My best read of last year. One Cornish Summer is a giant step forward from that.
July 4, 2019
This was my first Liz Fenwick book and I very much enjoyed it. I bought this book last summer when we were in St Ives in Cornwall, one of my favourite places to visit. I wanted to read it at a later date to recapture my feelings for Cornwall.
The cover of this book is deceiving. I thought it was going to be a lighter read than it was. The author really covers the gamut of issues- the #1 being secrets over the generations. We are given a glimpse of a dynamic woman who is felled by early onset Alzheimer’s. Family and love, but especially the importance of love.
The people in this book are easy to warm up to, especially Hebe, Lucy and Kit. The home that Hebe buys, Helwyn House, figures prominently in the book and is based on a real historical home in Cornwall. The work to restore these home is absolutely astounding.
This was a lovely book to fall into. If you love Cornwall, dysfunctional families, secrets and scandal.,you will definitely enjoy this book!
The cover of this book is deceiving. I thought it was going to be a lighter read than it was. The author really covers the gamut of issues- the #1 being secrets over the generations. We are given a glimpse of a dynamic woman who is felled by early onset Alzheimer’s. Family and love, but especially the importance of love.
The people in this book are easy to warm up to, especially Hebe, Lucy and Kit. The home that Hebe buys, Helwyn House, figures prominently in the book and is based on a real historical home in Cornwall. The work to restore these home is absolutely astounding.
This was a lovely book to fall into. If you love Cornwall, dysfunctional families, secrets and scandal.,you will definitely enjoy this book!
March 12, 2018
ONE CORNISH SUMMER by Liz Fenwick is a beautifully atmospheric and emotional story of family, love, and recognising the important things in life.
Hebe can no longer ignore her failing health but as she struggles with what is to become of her and those she loves, a chance image in a newspaper spurs her to return to Cornwall, the one place which has always felt like home to her. Lucy, her niece, is also going through changes in her life and when she needs to disappear for a little while. following her Aunt to Cornwall seems like a good idea. But the old house in Cornwall doesn't hold the same peaceful memories as it does for her Aunt, and Lucy will have to face the past if she is ever to be happy.
Wonderfully detailed with exquisite settings, ONE CORNISH SUMMER by Liz Fenwick is the emotional tale of two women who must face up to what is happening and has happened, in their lives, if they are ever to move on. While there are certainly parts of this story which will make you shed a tear, there are also lovely moments of laughter, hope, and love to brighten up the way.
The characters are engaging and compelling as they always are in a Liz Fenwick novel, but I really had a soft spot for Hebe who I just wanted to hug so much.
With secrets, drama, and the stunning scenery of Cornwall as a backdrop, ONE CORNISH SUMMER by Liz Fenwick is another superb story from a master of the writing craft and I cannot wait for more from Liz.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley
Hebe can no longer ignore her failing health but as she struggles with what is to become of her and those she loves, a chance image in a newspaper spurs her to return to Cornwall, the one place which has always felt like home to her. Lucy, her niece, is also going through changes in her life and when she needs to disappear for a little while. following her Aunt to Cornwall seems like a good idea. But the old house in Cornwall doesn't hold the same peaceful memories as it does for her Aunt, and Lucy will have to face the past if she is ever to be happy.
Wonderfully detailed with exquisite settings, ONE CORNISH SUMMER by Liz Fenwick is the emotional tale of two women who must face up to what is happening and has happened, in their lives, if they are ever to move on. While there are certainly parts of this story which will make you shed a tear, there are also lovely moments of laughter, hope, and love to brighten up the way.
The characters are engaging and compelling as they always are in a Liz Fenwick novel, but I really had a soft spot for Hebe who I just wanted to hug so much.
With secrets, drama, and the stunning scenery of Cornwall as a backdrop, ONE CORNISH SUMMER by Liz Fenwick is another superb story from a master of the writing craft and I cannot wait for more from Liz.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley
May 27, 2021
A really enjoyable read , with some very likeable characters in Hebe , Lucy and Kit.
I loved the setting around my beloved Cornwall and the history interweaved beautifully into the plot.
A delicate introduction of Alzheimer’s into the storyline worked so well and was very emotive especially at the end of the story.
Liz Fenwick has again written a lovely story that I have read in one sitting . Unable to put the book down , it was so good!
I loved the setting around my beloved Cornwall and the history interweaved beautifully into the plot.
A delicate introduction of Alzheimer’s into the storyline worked so well and was very emotive especially at the end of the story.
Liz Fenwick has again written a lovely story that I have read in one sitting . Unable to put the book down , it was so good!
March 7, 2018
Liz Fenwick creates such wonderful imagery in her books that you are instantly transported to the sights and sounds of the wonderful Cornish setting. Helwyn House becomes another character and I am now desperate to visit Godolphin this summer. You can feel the floorboards creaking and the air of mystery as it tries to conceal its secrets.
Lucy has to go back to Cornwall when they discover that Hebe, her aunt, is about to bid on Helwyn House when it comes up for auction, despite its rundown condition. Lucy is escaping a bad relationship and Hebe is suffering from early onset dementia and is escaping back to Cornwall to try and protect those she loves and to complete her life work before she becomes unable. Lucy notices her aunt is struggling but is unaware. Hebe asks her niece to take over project managing the work on the house and although she has bad memories of the house she loves her aunt enough to stay to help.
Parts are so poignant that you get totally wrapped up in their emotions, imaging just how difficult this situation would be for any family. One of my uncles has alzheimers and has good days where he knows us all, but just as often confused days where he struggles to bring names to mind.
I love Cornwall- so any book set there is bound to hit my reading list. But I can't wait for the next Liz Fenwick book and eagerly read each one. They make great gifts for my mum- who instilled my love of Cornwall and we still enjoy family holidays there.
The relationships are heartwarming and the strained family dynamics ring true.
Lucy has to go back to Cornwall when they discover that Hebe, her aunt, is about to bid on Helwyn House when it comes up for auction, despite its rundown condition. Lucy is escaping a bad relationship and Hebe is suffering from early onset dementia and is escaping back to Cornwall to try and protect those she loves and to complete her life work before she becomes unable. Lucy notices her aunt is struggling but is unaware. Hebe asks her niece to take over project managing the work on the house and although she has bad memories of the house she loves her aunt enough to stay to help.
Parts are so poignant that you get totally wrapped up in their emotions, imaging just how difficult this situation would be for any family. One of my uncles has alzheimers and has good days where he knows us all, but just as often confused days where he struggles to bring names to mind.
I love Cornwall- so any book set there is bound to hit my reading list. But I can't wait for the next Liz Fenwick book and eagerly read each one. They make great gifts for my mum- who instilled my love of Cornwall and we still enjoy family holidays there.
The relationships are heartwarming and the strained family dynamics ring true.
March 1, 2018
I loved this book! It’s set in Cornwall and is about two women, both of whom have secrets. Hebe is suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s, whilst her niece Lucy is fleeing from an unsuitable and scandalous relationship. Hebe retreats to her favourite place to buy Helwyn House and enlists Lucy’s help restore it. For Lucy, however, the house holds painful memories.
This is a real ‘Bertie Bassett’ type of a story! It contains a bit of all sorts - mystery, history, romance and a stunning setting. It's beautifully written with some interesting, well drawn characters. I thought Hebe's parts of the tale were particularly vividly and poignantly written. They depicted so very well how devastating Alzheimer's is, how fragmented Hebe's mind was. This is just a great story!
An intriguing and captivating read which I didn't want to end.
This is a real ‘Bertie Bassett’ type of a story! It contains a bit of all sorts - mystery, history, romance and a stunning setting. It's beautifully written with some interesting, well drawn characters. I thought Hebe's parts of the tale were particularly vividly and poignantly written. They depicted so very well how devastating Alzheimer's is, how fragmented Hebe's mind was. This is just a great story!
An intriguing and captivating read which I didn't want to end.
February 25, 2019
Really enjoyed this dual timeline mystery which moves between the English Civil War and contemporary Cornwall. Hebe is a brilliant academic succumbing to early onset Alzheimer's who is fixated on Civil War history and one man in particular. Her niece Lucy is struggling with a challenging dilemma of a completely different kind. Thrown together in a historic Cornwall house they struggle to come to terms with their different pasts before it's too late. Thought provoking, and at times confronting, One Cornish Summer tackles a serious topic without being depressing and finds satisfying resolution to long buried family secrets and lies. Hear Liz talk about it on the Joys of Binge Reading podcast: https://thejoysofbingereading.com/liz...
June 4, 2018
As always with Liz Fenwick books, a gentle easy read with a good storyline
March 7, 2018
I have been a huge fan of Liz Fenwick since I first discovered her books in St Ives when on holiday in Cornwall, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of her latest novel to read.
I started this book on a stormy wet Saturday night in Glasgow and during a discussion with a fellow reader remarked that I was in Cornwall in summer despite the rain outside! Liz has that wonderful ability to convey the spirit and essence of her adopted county and this latest book is no exception.
This is a story of relationships, secrets and love. The main characters of Hebe and her niece, Lucy, are both struggling with their past. Hebe is struggling to remember hers; Lucy is struggling to put hers behind her. Hebe retreats to Cornwall, where she has always felt safe and peaceful. Lucy joins her to escape from her own crisis. Both women have secrets and as the story unfolds, these are gradually revealed. Both stories are moving. Hebe’s struggle is so well depicted and was so very real. Lucy develops as a character as we see what formed her early years and teenage rebellion. I didn’t want to let either of them go as I neared the end of the book.
The beautiful Helford river, the dilapidated Helwyn House that Hebe buys, the historical background and the other characters support the two main characters wonderfully.
Some of the writing is sublime. I loved the inclusion of Donne’s poetry in the chapters where Hebe looked back on her academic life and her younger lover.
I thought that with her last book, The Returning Tide, Liz had taken her writing to a whole new level. It was one of the best books that I read last year. I have to say that I think One Cornish Summer is even better. That really says everything and I wish Liz every success with this outstanding new novel.
I started this book on a stormy wet Saturday night in Glasgow and during a discussion with a fellow reader remarked that I was in Cornwall in summer despite the rain outside! Liz has that wonderful ability to convey the spirit and essence of her adopted county and this latest book is no exception.
This is a story of relationships, secrets and love. The main characters of Hebe and her niece, Lucy, are both struggling with their past. Hebe is struggling to remember hers; Lucy is struggling to put hers behind her. Hebe retreats to Cornwall, where she has always felt safe and peaceful. Lucy joins her to escape from her own crisis. Both women have secrets and as the story unfolds, these are gradually revealed. Both stories are moving. Hebe’s struggle is so well depicted and was so very real. Lucy develops as a character as we see what formed her early years and teenage rebellion. I didn’t want to let either of them go as I neared the end of the book.
The beautiful Helford river, the dilapidated Helwyn House that Hebe buys, the historical background and the other characters support the two main characters wonderfully.
Some of the writing is sublime. I loved the inclusion of Donne’s poetry in the chapters where Hebe looked back on her academic life and her younger lover.
I thought that with her last book, The Returning Tide, Liz had taken her writing to a whole new level. It was one of the best books that I read last year. I have to say that I think One Cornish Summer is even better. That really says everything and I wish Liz every success with this outstanding new novel.
March 4, 2018
Visit the locations in the novel
Liz! You’ve brought the sunshine into my reading life, despite this snow we’re having, but there was still water when the tears started to flow. Hebe has Alzheimers and it’s especially tragic since she’s young. She hopes that her favourite place, restored, will go some way to restoring her. Lucy comes to help and the house has quite an effect on her too for different reasons.
There were some upsetting scenes but very true and heartfelt. Similarly the descriptions of time and place, the historical nod to the Civil War and the memories and lessons that brings was very nicely done.
I found the two women’s stories wove well together and formed quite a picture, a tapestry of heart felt emotion, love, family and much more. There’s a lot of research in this novel and honest, raw emotions but nothing ever feels invasive or too much. It carried you along with the need to know how their stories end.
I now very much want to visit Helwyn house in the book – Godolphin House as I’m sure the story would be even more acute on location as it were.
It’s lovely how Liz brings out such hidden faces and nuances of the Cornish landscape and history in her books when the main story is so emotional and character driven. Oh did I say how emotional it was! – I needed plenty of chocolate and cake at the end. Be sure to have tissues at the ready. What a heartwarming but heartbreaking story.
An author with a paintbrush with Cornish charm in the bristles.
February 7, 2018
This really is a wonderful book. It has mystery, romance, friendship, secrets, beautiful Cornish countryside. Wonderful characters and a great story line. This book had everything you could possibly need in a book. I loved it.
July 5, 2018
I've always loved Liz Fenwick's books and she certainly didn't disappoint me. So heartbreaking and thoughtful and about love and families. Makes you really think you are in Cornwall when reading this such loveable characters such a warm read and so enjoyable I didn't want to put it down. Based around two main characters and how life can soon change.
Hebe is only 53 and is given a life changing diagnosis and she struggles with how it will effect hey. She leaves her lover and goes to Cornwall as her memory is fading fast and she goes to find the house her family soent so many summers at. Then you have Lucy who has an affair with a married man her life is in crisis and her family suggest she goes and stays with Hebe ok Cornwall to sort her life out. They both learn to share secrets and it will set them free but can they be happy again with their lives or not especially for Lucy who makes a shocking discovery what will she do for the best. So heartbreaking at the end but also heartwarming. Worth more than the five stars.
Hebe is only 53 and is given a life changing diagnosis and she struggles with how it will effect hey. She leaves her lover and goes to Cornwall as her memory is fading fast and she goes to find the house her family soent so many summers at. Then you have Lucy who has an affair with a married man her life is in crisis and her family suggest she goes and stays with Hebe ok Cornwall to sort her life out. They both learn to share secrets and it will set them free but can they be happy again with their lives or not especially for Lucy who makes a shocking discovery what will she do for the best. So heartbreaking at the end but also heartwarming. Worth more than the five stars.
July 18, 2019
I know they say don't judge a book by its cover but if you are tempted to seriously don't with this one as the cheery seaside scene on the front bears no relation to the heartbreaking, lovely, beautiful, deep, gothic love story inside. With hints of Still Alice but a completely different vibe I thought I wasn't going to like this but loved it.
December 26, 2022
4.5/5 ❤️ men den var den bästa på länge så satte 5 💝💗💕
March 8, 2024
Een mooi verhaal. Enkel de stukken met poëzie moet je liggen maar op zich niet te storend
March 10, 2018
This review can be found at sarahsvignettes.wordpress.com
I am a big fan of Liz Fenwick's work and I adored her last novel, The Returning Tide with it being one of my books of 2017. So I was very excited when I got the opportunity to read One Cornish Summer ahead of publication - and I absolutely loved it! Just when I think I've found my favourite Liz Fenwick novel, she goes and pulls another one out of the bag!! It is the second book this year to leave me with a book hangover - the inability to start a new book because you're still living in the previous book's world- and it's only early March!
One Cornish Summer is a story of love, relationships, and secrets and is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Throw into this mix, a historical mystery thread, an imposing house and the beautiful Cornish countryside and you have yourself the perfect read.
Liz Fenwick has created some great characters, each with their own unique voices. Hebe is an historian and academic and as such has a mature and educated voice. The inclusion of John Donne's poetry fits perfectly. Hebe got under my skin, in a good way, from the very first page. Although she is over 20 years older than me, I really connected with her and wanted to dive into the pages to give her a hug because, at times, her story and struggle with Alzheimer's is heartbreaking. Liz Fenwick tells this beautifully and with so much respect. Hebe's story is poignant and touching and, in fact, has two dimensions to it. Firstly, we experience Hebe's day to day living with Alzheimer's and secondly, her flashbacks to one particular summer in Cornwall, where Donne's poetry is cleverly interwoven to reveal the turmoil Hebe's mind is going through.
Although closer in age, at 28 years old, it took me a while to warm to Lucy (not a fault with the book, we don't always warm to everyone we meet first time) and as more is revealed about her and her past and why she is so reluctant to be in Cornwall, she grew on me and I really liked her.
The voices of Hebe and Lucy are so vastly different but they complement one another perfectly and the two characters have a lovely relationship.
As I would expect from a Liz Fenwick novel, the house is a character and is an integral part of the story. Helwyn House means different things to each of the characters and it draws them and the reader in, revealing its secrets bit by bit and subtly forcing the characters to reveal theirs too. From following Liz on social media, I can recall from when she was doing research for the house. Helwyn House is modelled on Godolphin House. Liz and her family went to stay so that she could bring it to life on the pages, something that she does brilliantly. Even each creak of the floor board is perfectly captured.
It was great to see characters from earlier books make an appearance and to be able to follow a continuation of their stories. I can't wait to find out what they do next.
As I mentioned above, Donne's poetry plays a big part in Hebe's flashback story. It's the first time I've knowingly come across his poetry in any great detail and wow, it's powerful. It is evident that Liz Fenwick knows his work intimately to be able to pick out just the right parts to illustrate Hebe's mind state so well. I loved it so much that I went out and bought a collection of his work!
The writing in One Cornish Summer is beautiful, particularly in Hebe's story, but the writing in the last chapter is just divine and touched me so much that I was left sobbing. Be warned, this book will leave you reaching for the tissues and needing your favourite comfort food! Yes, I've felt choked up and shed a tear at stories in the past but there may only be one or two that have left me in a blubbering mess - One Cornish Summer being one of them. For words to have this much effect on a reader is powerful and I am in awe of Liz Fenwick's ability to create such atmosphere. There are also heartwarming and amusing moments in this story and the balance between these and the more emotional parts, feels just right.
With The Returning Tide, Liz Fenwick took her writing to another level, moving away from the genre of romantic fiction edging towards literary fiction, but with One Cornish Summer, she goes one step further still, marking out her route and clearly showing she has the ability to write literary fiction. I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing what she writes next. Please let it be another giant leap forward because this new direction works.
One Cornish Summer is a sublime read which is cleverly crafted, intricately researched and beautifully written. I really hope it does well because it deserves to fly. I highly recommend it and it would make a perfect present for Mother's Day tomorrow!!
I am a big fan of Liz Fenwick's work and I adored her last novel, The Returning Tide with it being one of my books of 2017. So I was very excited when I got the opportunity to read One Cornish Summer ahead of publication - and I absolutely loved it! Just when I think I've found my favourite Liz Fenwick novel, she goes and pulls another one out of the bag!! It is the second book this year to leave me with a book hangover - the inability to start a new book because you're still living in the previous book's world- and it's only early March!
One Cornish Summer is a story of love, relationships, and secrets and is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Throw into this mix, a historical mystery thread, an imposing house and the beautiful Cornish countryside and you have yourself the perfect read.
Liz Fenwick has created some great characters, each with their own unique voices. Hebe is an historian and academic and as such has a mature and educated voice. The inclusion of John Donne's poetry fits perfectly. Hebe got under my skin, in a good way, from the very first page. Although she is over 20 years older than me, I really connected with her and wanted to dive into the pages to give her a hug because, at times, her story and struggle with Alzheimer's is heartbreaking. Liz Fenwick tells this beautifully and with so much respect. Hebe's story is poignant and touching and, in fact, has two dimensions to it. Firstly, we experience Hebe's day to day living with Alzheimer's and secondly, her flashbacks to one particular summer in Cornwall, where Donne's poetry is cleverly interwoven to reveal the turmoil Hebe's mind is going through.
Although closer in age, at 28 years old, it took me a while to warm to Lucy (not a fault with the book, we don't always warm to everyone we meet first time) and as more is revealed about her and her past and why she is so reluctant to be in Cornwall, she grew on me and I really liked her.
The voices of Hebe and Lucy are so vastly different but they complement one another perfectly and the two characters have a lovely relationship.
As I would expect from a Liz Fenwick novel, the house is a character and is an integral part of the story. Helwyn House means different things to each of the characters and it draws them and the reader in, revealing its secrets bit by bit and subtly forcing the characters to reveal theirs too. From following Liz on social media, I can recall from when she was doing research for the house. Helwyn House is modelled on Godolphin House. Liz and her family went to stay so that she could bring it to life on the pages, something that she does brilliantly. Even each creak of the floor board is perfectly captured.
It was great to see characters from earlier books make an appearance and to be able to follow a continuation of their stories. I can't wait to find out what they do next.
As I mentioned above, Donne's poetry plays a big part in Hebe's flashback story. It's the first time I've knowingly come across his poetry in any great detail and wow, it's powerful. It is evident that Liz Fenwick knows his work intimately to be able to pick out just the right parts to illustrate Hebe's mind state so well. I loved it so much that I went out and bought a collection of his work!
The writing in One Cornish Summer is beautiful, particularly in Hebe's story, but the writing in the last chapter is just divine and touched me so much that I was left sobbing. Be warned, this book will leave you reaching for the tissues and needing your favourite comfort food! Yes, I've felt choked up and shed a tear at stories in the past but there may only be one or two that have left me in a blubbering mess - One Cornish Summer being one of them. For words to have this much effect on a reader is powerful and I am in awe of Liz Fenwick's ability to create such atmosphere. There are also heartwarming and amusing moments in this story and the balance between these and the more emotional parts, feels just right.
With The Returning Tide, Liz Fenwick took her writing to another level, moving away from the genre of romantic fiction edging towards literary fiction, but with One Cornish Summer, she goes one step further still, marking out her route and clearly showing she has the ability to write literary fiction. I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing what she writes next. Please let it be another giant leap forward because this new direction works.
One Cornish Summer is a sublime read which is cleverly crafted, intricately researched and beautifully written. I really hope it does well because it deserves to fly. I highly recommend it and it would make a perfect present for Mother's Day tomorrow!!
March 8, 2018
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2018/0...
I enjoyed the format of Hebe’s and Lucy’s narrations. This gives us so much insight into their lives and their characters. Both in relationships that break the boundaries of society and feel the need to hide away, although Hebe isn’t protecting herself but protecting other.
From the beginning we know from Hebe there is something wrong. I knew I should be feeling more for her but just didn’t feel that connection until quite late in the story when my tears surprised me! When had that happened? I had been so caught up in the unfolding story that I hadn’t noticed she’d snuck in. Academic and seen as strong and independent, she has more than one secret she’s hiding from her family. After she wins the bid on Helwyn House and Lucy moves down to project manage, their closeness becomes apparent. I loved the relationship they had with each other.
Despite being close to Hebe’s age it was Lucy I felt a connection with. I wanted to know what was driving her behaviour. I was intrigued by the events all those years ago that were still impacting on her today, informing her decisions. When Kit Williams comes on the scene I thought Lucy showed so much strength! Flawed and multi-faceted, she’s one of my favourite characters this year.
I loved Hebe’s step-mother Sarah (who says it as it is) and it was great to see cameo appearances from characters in previous novels.
Liz Fenwick takes us deeper emotionally with intimate relationships in One Cornish Summer as well as exploring our baser natures. There’s more than one mistake (a couple of twists I didn’t see coming either!) made by our characters which to me, reflects life and the consequences of our decisions.
Helwyn House has such a pull on Hebe, Lucy and Kit. All that history! It felt like a living and breathing entity to me, holding some secrets close while releasing others. Although fictitious, it’s based on the National Trust’s Godolphin House and now added to my wishlist of places to visit!
One Cornish Summer is another outstanding read from this author. The characters lives are still playing out in my head (I often find myself thinking of them) even though I finished this story at the end of January. Don’t miss it!
I enjoyed the format of Hebe’s and Lucy’s narrations. This gives us so much insight into their lives and their characters. Both in relationships that break the boundaries of society and feel the need to hide away, although Hebe isn’t protecting herself but protecting other.
From the beginning we know from Hebe there is something wrong. I knew I should be feeling more for her but just didn’t feel that connection until quite late in the story when my tears surprised me! When had that happened? I had been so caught up in the unfolding story that I hadn’t noticed she’d snuck in. Academic and seen as strong and independent, she has more than one secret she’s hiding from her family. After she wins the bid on Helwyn House and Lucy moves down to project manage, their closeness becomes apparent. I loved the relationship they had with each other.
Despite being close to Hebe’s age it was Lucy I felt a connection with. I wanted to know what was driving her behaviour. I was intrigued by the events all those years ago that were still impacting on her today, informing her decisions. When Kit Williams comes on the scene I thought Lucy showed so much strength! Flawed and multi-faceted, she’s one of my favourite characters this year.
I loved Hebe’s step-mother Sarah (who says it as it is) and it was great to see cameo appearances from characters in previous novels.
Liz Fenwick takes us deeper emotionally with intimate relationships in One Cornish Summer as well as exploring our baser natures. There’s more than one mistake (a couple of twists I didn’t see coming either!) made by our characters which to me, reflects life and the consequences of our decisions.
Helwyn House has such a pull on Hebe, Lucy and Kit. All that history! It felt like a living and breathing entity to me, holding some secrets close while releasing others. Although fictitious, it’s based on the National Trust’s Godolphin House and now added to my wishlist of places to visit!
One Cornish Summer is another outstanding read from this author. The characters lives are still playing out in my head (I often find myself thinking of them) even though I finished this story at the end of January. Don’t miss it!
September 15, 2019
Gave up after reading 20%. I found it too boring.
June 15, 2018
Hebe is only in her early fifties when she receives devastating news about her health. Her mind was once her best friend, but now she's constantly forgetting things, until she will even lose what's most important to her. Hebe has lived and loved, but there's one thing she wants to do before her brain will fail her completely, she wants to return to Helwyn House in Cornwall. The house that brought her so much, it's time for Hebe to make her biggest wish come true.
A scandal is making it hard for Lucy to live a peaceful life in London. That's why helping her aunt Hebe with her mission in Cornwall isn't such a bad plan. Lucy loves Hebe, but she isn't particularly excited about Hebe's return to Helwyn House. For Lucy the place is filled with bad memories and she doesn't understand her aunt's fascination with it. However, Hebe is family and Lucy will do anything for her. Especially now that something seems to be wrong with her aunt. Hebe and Lucy are close, how will spending their time together affect both women and what will happen when family secrets come to light?
One Cornish Summer is a beautiful story about family, history, secrets and love. Hebe is a kindhearted woman. She's incredibly intelligent and because of this she managed to hide her illness for a long time. I loved her brilliance and even though her mind is fading Hebe remains a remarkable woman with a sparkling personality. She's very fond of Lucy. Lucy has been through a lot and this has made her bitter when it comes to love. She doesn't believe in happily ever afters and thinks she'll have to make it on her own. While spending time with Hebe she learns that meeting the right person can make a huge difference and that love is something to cherish. I loved the connection between the women and enjoyed every single word of wisdom, life lesson and meaningful conversation between them. Liz Fenwick balances this with fun and endearing moments and this gives the story an amazing heartwarming charm.
Liz Fenwick knows a lot about old houses and history. It's something I greatly admire about her stories. She always manages to take me back in time and show me a different way of life. She effortlessly switches between the past and the present. Because of Hebe's interest in Helwyn House and its inhabitants it felt completely natural to take a look at the past. Liz Fenwick has chosen fascinating main characters for her story. She alternates between Hebe and Lucy and I equally liked each voice. I was impressed by how she expresses Hebe's memory problems, they seem believable and realistic, while she still manages to keep the mystery around this mesmerizing woman. One Cornish Summer is a compelling story filled with surprising twists and turns. I absolutely loved this fantastic book.
A scandal is making it hard for Lucy to live a peaceful life in London. That's why helping her aunt Hebe with her mission in Cornwall isn't such a bad plan. Lucy loves Hebe, but she isn't particularly excited about Hebe's return to Helwyn House. For Lucy the place is filled with bad memories and she doesn't understand her aunt's fascination with it. However, Hebe is family and Lucy will do anything for her. Especially now that something seems to be wrong with her aunt. Hebe and Lucy are close, how will spending their time together affect both women and what will happen when family secrets come to light?
One Cornish Summer is a beautiful story about family, history, secrets and love. Hebe is a kindhearted woman. She's incredibly intelligent and because of this she managed to hide her illness for a long time. I loved her brilliance and even though her mind is fading Hebe remains a remarkable woman with a sparkling personality. She's very fond of Lucy. Lucy has been through a lot and this has made her bitter when it comes to love. She doesn't believe in happily ever afters and thinks she'll have to make it on her own. While spending time with Hebe she learns that meeting the right person can make a huge difference and that love is something to cherish. I loved the connection between the women and enjoyed every single word of wisdom, life lesson and meaningful conversation between them. Liz Fenwick balances this with fun and endearing moments and this gives the story an amazing heartwarming charm.
Liz Fenwick knows a lot about old houses and history. It's something I greatly admire about her stories. She always manages to take me back in time and show me a different way of life. She effortlessly switches between the past and the present. Because of Hebe's interest in Helwyn House and its inhabitants it felt completely natural to take a look at the past. Liz Fenwick has chosen fascinating main characters for her story. She alternates between Hebe and Lucy and I equally liked each voice. I was impressed by how she expresses Hebe's memory problems, they seem believable and realistic, while she still manages to keep the mystery around this mesmerizing woman. One Cornish Summer is a compelling story filled with surprising twists and turns. I absolutely loved this fantastic book.
July 29, 2018
Spending time by the coast is always restorative and so it was a delight to discover that One Cornish Summer by Liz Fenwick revolves around the purchase and restoration of Helwyn House, based on Godolphin House, set along the Cornish coastline. With its crumbling, gothic exterior and overgrown gardens, historian and academic Hebe has dreamt of owning the property for years, whilst for her niece, Lucy, it holds sad childhood memories she finds hard to shake free.
But Helwyn House isn’t alone in harbouring secrets. Hebe and Lucy are both drawn to Cornwall by the need to escape; Hebe from the distressing knowledge that her memory can no longer be trusted, a symptom of early onset Alzheimer’s; whilst Lucy’s heart is bruised following an unfortunate decision in love.
Fenwick’s portrayal of Hebe doing her best to contain the impact of Alzheimer’s by list writing, as her grip on day-to-day life rapidly loosens, is heart breaking. However this is an uplifting rather than a sentimental read.
One of the joys of reading is learning something new and I loved that One Cornish Summer is sprinkled with both fascinating Cornish history and the work of English poet John Donne. All of which mean that a trip to Cornwall, and Godolphin House in particular, now feature high on places I’d love to visit.
But Helwyn House isn’t alone in harbouring secrets. Hebe and Lucy are both drawn to Cornwall by the need to escape; Hebe from the distressing knowledge that her memory can no longer be trusted, a symptom of early onset Alzheimer’s; whilst Lucy’s heart is bruised following an unfortunate decision in love.
Fenwick’s portrayal of Hebe doing her best to contain the impact of Alzheimer’s by list writing, as her grip on day-to-day life rapidly loosens, is heart breaking. However this is an uplifting rather than a sentimental read.
One of the joys of reading is learning something new and I loved that One Cornish Summer is sprinkled with both fascinating Cornish history and the work of English poet John Donne. All of which mean that a trip to Cornwall, and Godolphin House in particular, now feature high on places I’d love to visit.
April 24, 2018
Book marketing can sometimes be a slightly disingenuous thing. The cover and the blurb promise one thing, but the story inside delivers quite another. Sometimes this can lead to disappointment, but at others the opposite is true. And this is very much the case with Liz Fenwick’s latest novel. It isn’t a light and fluffy holiday read – it’s brilliant and challenging and altogether so much more.
To me it seems a shame that the publisher wasn’t entirely as brave as the author. The blurb describes Hebe as having ‘a life changing diagnosis’ and ‘memories slipping away’, but shies from actually mentioning the ugliness of Alzheimer’s. From very early on in the book it’s clear Hebe has early onset dementia. And what’s more, she is written in the first person, something only a truly accomplished writer like Fenwick can pull off.
Hebe is every inch a full and rounded character, and one I sorely missed once I’d finished the book. To chart the cruel descent of her illness in such a way as to carry the reader with her must have been a serious challenge.
One Cornish Summer is actually set over the course of a Cornish autumn and winter but the title is not a misnomer, even if the cover image might mislead. Hebe and her niece Lucy’s days in the damp and draughty ‘Hell House’ are contrasted with the former’s memories of a bright and colourful summer just the previous year when she was able to share Cornwall with the love of her life before her memories of it completely dissolved away.
As Hebe’s condition worsens, parts of the book are heart-breaking to read, for example when she answers the door without her trousers on. But there are thoroughly heart-warming parts too, as ‘Hell House’ reveals its secrets and Lucy, at least, is finally able to move forwards. Thought-provoking and ultimately life affirming, One Cornish Summer is an excellent read.
To me it seems a shame that the publisher wasn’t entirely as brave as the author. The blurb describes Hebe as having ‘a life changing diagnosis’ and ‘memories slipping away’, but shies from actually mentioning the ugliness of Alzheimer’s. From very early on in the book it’s clear Hebe has early onset dementia. And what’s more, she is written in the first person, something only a truly accomplished writer like Fenwick can pull off.
Hebe is every inch a full and rounded character, and one I sorely missed once I’d finished the book. To chart the cruel descent of her illness in such a way as to carry the reader with her must have been a serious challenge.
One Cornish Summer is actually set over the course of a Cornish autumn and winter but the title is not a misnomer, even if the cover image might mislead. Hebe and her niece Lucy’s days in the damp and draughty ‘Hell House’ are contrasted with the former’s memories of a bright and colourful summer just the previous year when she was able to share Cornwall with the love of her life before her memories of it completely dissolved away.
As Hebe’s condition worsens, parts of the book are heart-breaking to read, for example when she answers the door without her trousers on. But there are thoroughly heart-warming parts too, as ‘Hell House’ reveals its secrets and Lucy, at least, is finally able to move forwards. Thought-provoking and ultimately life affirming, One Cornish Summer is an excellent read.
May 1, 2021
Een prachtig en ontroerend verhaal!
February 20, 2018
Set in Cornwall this story spans two generation. Hebe has to face a life changing diagnosis which she is determined to keep to herself but it soon becomes apparent to her family that something is wrong . Her niece Lucy is also at a turning point in her life after a disastrous affair ends and she is thrust into the paperartsy limelight. I found this book to be well written with a credible storyline .
March 12, 2018
What does a rather spooky, crumbling pile, of a once stately house, in the back end of the Cornish nowhere have to do with a family that used to spend their summers there, a Tory MP, a scandal, an Hollywood Actor, Alzheimer’s, a love story from the 17th Century and a Metaphysical Poet?
They are all strands, that cleverly come together in the brilliant new novel by Liz Fenwick, One Cornish Summer. I can highly recommend this as both an interesting yet easy read – one that I didn’t want to put down but was really sad to have finished it.
As they say, you can’t choose your family....but you can choose your books!
I started reading novels by Liz Fenwick as 1. I used to be her neighbour and 2. I love the area of which she writes.
Those reasons are still there but now I read Liz’s books as she has, book by book, steadily grown to be one of my favourite Authors and I really look forward to a new publication.
Therefore, I greedily grabbed an advance copy of One Cornish Summer and said goodbye to a couple of early nights and my weekend. If I hadn’t have had other things to do I think I would have picked it up and not moved until I turned the last page.
Although Liz’s books are marketed toward the Romantic end of the Fiction spectrum, they have grown into so much more than that and I love the more literary aspects.
You can tell when an Author enjoys their research and has a genuine interest in their subject.
Where we most definitely meet is our love of Cornwall, specifically The Lizard. The history that has created the land and echoed through the crumbling buildings. How the past impacts the present and what has changed and what has stayed exactly the same. How people lived and how they live now.
In a way this is a massive book with lots of themes that are cleverly woven together to create a story that can be read on many levels and depths.
There are many relationships. Some past, some present, some healthy, some toxic but never mushy or laboured.
One Cornish Summer is a story of generations – ones that have to put their ‘history’ behind them, to support Hebe, who is suffering the effects of early-onset Alzheimer’s. If you want to understand what a relative of yours is going through, read this book. It may give you an insight, and understanding, that you didn’t previously have.
An Academic and Historian, Hebe has an hidden Love, one that is tethered by a shared love of the poetry of John Donne. Donne is quoted extensively, throughout this novel, but with a sensitive, light touch and only where appropriate.
Love, in all its forms, is a constant, multi-layered theme which runs throughout this book from Thomas Grylls and Lucia, in the 1600s, whom Hebe has made her life’s research, to the present day. 28 year old Lucy, whose love life is somewhat erratic and complicated. In part, influenced by a shocking incident in her past at Helwyn House, which she thinks of as Hell House, for many reasons. Not the least as it is practically falling down.
Horrified, when Hebe buys Hell House, which used to belong to Thomas Grylls, for an extortionate sum, Lucy has to start to face her ghosts – both real and imagined.
This is a story of fractures. Hebe’s now fractured brain and her all-consuming one love which she breaks for the best of reasons, in her own reasoning, a family fractured by several events in the past, an historical story that doesn’t quite have all the pieces and a cracked and crumbling, once majestic house by the side of a beautiful, if remote, creek, that flows into the sea.
As Helwyn House is gradually restored, can the family find their own more solid foundation for the future and will the house give up some of its secrets?
One Cornish Summer is a beautifully written book, located in a beautiful part of Cornwall. If you wanted to you could actually stay in The Ducks House, at Sailaway, St. Anthony, where Hebe and Lucy stay until they move into Helwyn House, or The Farmhouse where a Hollywood actor has set up camp, after being thwarted by Hebe buying the property that he also wanted, for his own reasons...
The beach at St. Anthony was where my little Cornish puppy, Mabel, had her first taste of sand and sea, carefully looked after by her big sisters, and I enjoyed many walks along the creek and on the beach.
You don’t need to have experienced the area for yourself though as Liz Fenwick paints a true idyllic picture, which always invokes the landscape, the seasons and the people, perfectly.
If you do go for a visit, you can always pop into The New Inn at Manaccan, The Shipwrights at Helford or The Helford River Sailing Club. Helwyn House is based on the National Trust property, Godolphin House, nr. Helston, albeit somewhat relocated.
Forget Du Maurier Country – the south bank of The Helford River is now, most definitely, Fenwick Country. Book a tour!
They are all strands, that cleverly come together in the brilliant new novel by Liz Fenwick, One Cornish Summer. I can highly recommend this as both an interesting yet easy read – one that I didn’t want to put down but was really sad to have finished it.
As they say, you can’t choose your family....but you can choose your books!
I started reading novels by Liz Fenwick as 1. I used to be her neighbour and 2. I love the area of which she writes.
Those reasons are still there but now I read Liz’s books as she has, book by book, steadily grown to be one of my favourite Authors and I really look forward to a new publication.
Therefore, I greedily grabbed an advance copy of One Cornish Summer and said goodbye to a couple of early nights and my weekend. If I hadn’t have had other things to do I think I would have picked it up and not moved until I turned the last page.
Although Liz’s books are marketed toward the Romantic end of the Fiction spectrum, they have grown into so much more than that and I love the more literary aspects.
You can tell when an Author enjoys their research and has a genuine interest in their subject.
Where we most definitely meet is our love of Cornwall, specifically The Lizard. The history that has created the land and echoed through the crumbling buildings. How the past impacts the present and what has changed and what has stayed exactly the same. How people lived and how they live now.
In a way this is a massive book with lots of themes that are cleverly woven together to create a story that can be read on many levels and depths.
There are many relationships. Some past, some present, some healthy, some toxic but never mushy or laboured.
One Cornish Summer is a story of generations – ones that have to put their ‘history’ behind them, to support Hebe, who is suffering the effects of early-onset Alzheimer’s. If you want to understand what a relative of yours is going through, read this book. It may give you an insight, and understanding, that you didn’t previously have.
An Academic and Historian, Hebe has an hidden Love, one that is tethered by a shared love of the poetry of John Donne. Donne is quoted extensively, throughout this novel, but with a sensitive, light touch and only where appropriate.
Love, in all its forms, is a constant, multi-layered theme which runs throughout this book from Thomas Grylls and Lucia, in the 1600s, whom Hebe has made her life’s research, to the present day. 28 year old Lucy, whose love life is somewhat erratic and complicated. In part, influenced by a shocking incident in her past at Helwyn House, which she thinks of as Hell House, for many reasons. Not the least as it is practically falling down.
Horrified, when Hebe buys Hell House, which used to belong to Thomas Grylls, for an extortionate sum, Lucy has to start to face her ghosts – both real and imagined.
This is a story of fractures. Hebe’s now fractured brain and her all-consuming one love which she breaks for the best of reasons, in her own reasoning, a family fractured by several events in the past, an historical story that doesn’t quite have all the pieces and a cracked and crumbling, once majestic house by the side of a beautiful, if remote, creek, that flows into the sea.
As Helwyn House is gradually restored, can the family find their own more solid foundation for the future and will the house give up some of its secrets?
One Cornish Summer is a beautifully written book, located in a beautiful part of Cornwall. If you wanted to you could actually stay in The Ducks House, at Sailaway, St. Anthony, where Hebe and Lucy stay until they move into Helwyn House, or The Farmhouse where a Hollywood actor has set up camp, after being thwarted by Hebe buying the property that he also wanted, for his own reasons...
The beach at St. Anthony was where my little Cornish puppy, Mabel, had her first taste of sand and sea, carefully looked after by her big sisters, and I enjoyed many walks along the creek and on the beach.
You don’t need to have experienced the area for yourself though as Liz Fenwick paints a true idyllic picture, which always invokes the landscape, the seasons and the people, perfectly.
If you do go for a visit, you can always pop into The New Inn at Manaccan, The Shipwrights at Helford or The Helford River Sailing Club. Helwyn House is based on the National Trust property, Godolphin House, nr. Helston, albeit somewhat relocated.
Forget Du Maurier Country – the south bank of The Helford River is now, most definitely, Fenwick Country. Book a tour!
May 3, 2024
I loved this book!! …..couldn’t put it down.
I started reading this while we were having the new fire put in and read it in 2 days.
Hebe a single lady academic with a lover half her age is diagnosed with early onset dementia. She always felt guilt about the age gap between herself and lover Rory, and disappears to her beloved Cornwall where she buys a mansion house with a fascinating history as a renovation project before the dementia takes over.
Hebe’s niece (Lucy – society ‘it’ girl) is having her own problem’s. She finds herself front page news after it is revealed she is having an affair with a member of parliament.
Here in Cornwall the two find ways to help each other and overcome their issues.
I started reading this while we were having the new fire put in and read it in 2 days.
Hebe a single lady academic with a lover half her age is diagnosed with early onset dementia. She always felt guilt about the age gap between herself and lover Rory, and disappears to her beloved Cornwall where she buys a mansion house with a fascinating history as a renovation project before the dementia takes over.
Hebe’s niece (Lucy – society ‘it’ girl) is having her own problem’s. She finds herself front page news after it is revealed she is having an affair with a member of parliament.
Here in Cornwall the two find ways to help each other and overcome their issues.
November 23, 2018
Heartbreaking novel about Hebe who follows her dream to buy a huge house in Cornwall to restore. However her early Alzheimer's has a devastating affect on all those around her. Meanwhile her niece Lucy follows her in order to escape her own scandal.
It's not exactly a happy romance novel but there is a lot of love in various forms. For me there were a lot of ultimately unimportant plot details that just never really mattered or developed. Focus on the main 2 characters and it's great.
It's not exactly a happy romance novel but there is a lot of love in various forms. For me there were a lot of ultimately unimportant plot details that just never really mattered or developed. Focus on the main 2 characters and it's great.
October 7, 2018
Absolutely wonderful read - I have no words to say how moving I found this story. And I've shed many tears this afternoon.
I will confess that from around 75% I started skipping through the Hebe parts set in 2015. I thought they were unecessary and just wanted to be reading of the present time.
But that said, I would read it again in a heartbeat.
I will confess that from around 75% I started skipping through the Hebe parts set in 2015. I thought they were unecessary and just wanted to be reading of the present time.
But that said, I would read it again in a heartbeat.
June 30, 2020
I like her books, feelgood but with something more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews