Lauren Willig’s latest historical romance, “The Summer Country,” is a beautifully written and well-researched novel that stands out for its intricate storytelling. I often preorder books from authors I trust, and Willig is definitely one of them. If you haven’t read her work before, you’re in for a treat. Her previous books include “The Pink Carnation Series,” “The Ashford Affair,” and “The English Wife.” “The Summer Country” is her newest release.
Spanning over 400 pages, this novel might be one of Willig’s longest, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. The story is set in colonial Barbados and spans multiple generations, focusing on two main families. There are two intertwined storylines: one in 1854 and the other in 1812.
In the 1854 storyline, Emily Dawson travels to Barbados with her cousin Adam and his wife Laura after inheriting a plantation from her grandfather, which comes as a complete surprise. While exploring Barbados, Emily encounters a variety of characters including Nathaniel, a young doctor facing discrimination, and the Davenant family who live next to her plantation.
The 1812 storyline centers on Charles Davenant, who returns to Barbados to manage his family’s plantation, Peverills, following his parents’ death. He soon discovers that the island is rife with issues like slavery, racism, fraud, and hidden secrets. Key characters in this timeline include Charles’ younger brother Robert, Mary Ann Beckles and her slave Jenny, and Fenty, the Scottish bookkeeper.
These two time periods are masterfully connected, where events in 1812 directly affect those in 1854. As Emily unravels her family’s past, readers get to piece together the puzzle along with her. Willig expertly balances when to reveal information, making the journey deeply engaging.
Willig’s language is richly detailed, making the story feel like a warm, thick stew. The uncomfortable truths about slavery and the period’s harsh realities are crucial parts of the narrative, ensuring you feel the weight of history. The mystery component is compelling and well-paced, keeping you guessing until the very end.
Lauren Willig, being a historian, seamlessly integrates historical events and settings into her fictional narrative, creating an authentic feel. Even though I don’t know much about Colonial Barbados, the historical notes were so detailed that they could easily lead to further research.
“The Summer Country” is one of those novels that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. It feels like a beautiful song that leaves you contemplating the ending. The story features strong matriarchs, matchmaking, forbidden love, and elements of mystery and romance. If you’re a fan of novels like “Gone With the Wind,” you should definitely give this one a try.
I also believe that this novel has the potential to be adapted into a film. It could be an epic historical drama with flashbacks, much like “Gone With the Wind.”
Content Note: There are some mature themes and references to historical atrocities, but it’s not explicit.
Have you read “The Summer Country” by Lauren Willig? Which storyline did you find more captivating? Let me know your thoughts!
