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The Summertime of Our Dreams
An unforgettable celebration of life, a hymn to the land, and a meditation on the memory and dreams of youth.
To be invited to walk beside a dying man, a good man, to be asked into his mind as its existence is counted down, to be offered his gaze into the abyss, to know another soul in the honesty of the deathbed. A privilege.
Here is a moving and unusual memoir by Michael Pascoe about his relationship with Jim, his friend since boarding school in Queensland, as he faces up to terminal illness. We see a group of friends as they meet occasionally to talk about their shared youth and their mortality. Eloquent, profound – and sometimes funny, as mates can be with one another – these encounters, as well as Michael and Jim’s correspondence about living, dying, memory and family – will resonate deeply with readers.
The narrative is also a reflection on the author’s own story from son of a country cop to one of Australia’s best-known journalists, taking the reader on a journey – both literal and metaphorical – as he drives north in his beloved Alfa Romeo, exploring along the way what it means to be a son and a father, how one ages and deals with one’s own mortality.
We were just boys, forming bonds we didn’t know existed until we dared reach for them and found them strong.
To be invited to walk beside a dying man, a good man, to be asked into his mind as its existence is counted down, to be offered his gaze into the abyss, to know another soul in the honesty of the deathbed. A privilege.
Here is a moving and unusual memoir by Michael Pascoe about his relationship with Jim, his friend since boarding school in Queensland, as he faces up to terminal illness. We see a group of friends as they meet occasionally to talk about their shared youth and their mortality. Eloquent, profound – and sometimes funny, as mates can be with one another – these encounters, as well as Michael and Jim’s correspondence about living, dying, memory and family – will resonate deeply with readers.
The narrative is also a reflection on the author’s own story from son of a country cop to one of Australia’s best-known journalists, taking the reader on a journey – both literal and metaphorical – as he drives north in his beloved Alfa Romeo, exploring along the way what it means to be a son and a father, how one ages and deals with one’s own mortality.
We were just boys, forming bonds we didn’t know existed until we dared reach for them and found them strong.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2022
4 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Michael Pascoe
9 booksEx-Principal Lecturer and Head of Science, Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, London, England
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 28, 2023
Pascoe takes us on a wonderful romp through his life and that of a dear friend who is facing his demise. Not at all macabre, it shows a developing awareness of the fragility of life, the value of friendships, the evolution of masculinity and the joy of driving a fine car (Alfa-Romeo) on The New England Highway. For a finance writer, Pascoe excels in producing engaging writing that opens your mind and heart.
September 25, 2022
What is the meaning or purpose of this thing we call life (and death, for that matter)? Family, friendships, parenthood, experiences, supporting others? Don't suppose any book will have all the answers, but this one's moving, and made me think a lot.
Some interesting Australiana and nostalgia, occasionally funny, and emotional. Recommend.
Some interesting Australiana and nostalgia, occasionally funny, and emotional. Recommend.
February 19, 2023
Beautifully written book.
May 7, 2023
A good read. Down to Earth but with a wide viewpoint. A nuanced take on life and death and the meaning of relationships. Recommend strongly.
January 4, 2023
A truly fantastic book. Taking you on a journey of life exploration and reflection. A very enjoyable read with good use of language and insight. Both moving and heartwarming as the reader uncovers a story about lifelong mateship.
Highly recommend a must read.
Highly recommend a must read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews