Title: Summer With My Sister
Author: Lucy Diamond
First published January 1, 2012
456 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780330520553 (ISBN10: 0330520555)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
Lauren and Jenna were once inseparable sisters, until a heartbreaking event drove them apart. Years later, they are forced to come together again for a summer in their childhood home.
As they confront their painful past and try to rebuild their relationship, they discover that forgiveness and understanding may be the key to a brighter future. With heartwarming moments and emotional revelations, Summer With My Sister is an unforgettable story of sisterhood and second chances.
About the Author
Let me start by being honest with you. My real name is Sue Mongredien, not Lucy Diamond.
I decided to use a pen name because ‘Diamond’ is simpler to spell and pronounce than ‘Mongredien’. Also, I’m an author of children’s books as well and wanted to keep both genres separate.
Just so you know, there’s another Lucy Diamond on Amazon who writes religious children’s books, but that’s not me.
I was born in Nottingham in 1970 and later moved to Leeds to pursue English at the university. After that, I relocated to London and worked with several publishing houses before taking a break to travel the world for a year and a half.
I returned to the UK and resumed work in publishing before joining the BBC. Currently, I live in Bath with my husband and three young children, and I spend my time writing and looking after them.
You can check out my works for children here.
I have a few things I like, such as beaches, holidays, chocolate, wine, reading, Green Wing, bubble baths, sunshine, and the sound of my children’s laughter. Also, babysitters are a godsend.
As for books, I have a few favorites, including The Magus by John Fowles, The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, and The Colour of Memory by Geoff Dyer.
Editoral Review
Summer With My Sister by Lucy Diamond is a heartwarming novel that grapples with the complexities of family dynamics, grief, and the power of sisterhood. Diamond is a popular British author, known for her ability to create relatable characters and weave compelling stories, and Summer With My Sister is no exception.
The novel follows the story of sisters Polly and Clare, who have grown apart in the years after their parents’ divorce. When their beloved grandmother dies, she leaves them her house in Cornwall for the summer.
Despite their differences, the sisters decide to spend the summer together, hoping to reconnect and heal old wounds. As they navigate their way through the ups and downs of the summer, they must confront buried emotions, secrets, and ultimately find a way to rebuild their relationship.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall, Diamond brings the setting to life with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the seaside town. The characters are well-crafted and endearing, each with their own vulnerabilities and strengths.
The sisters, Polly and Clare, are relatable and well-drawn, with Diamond exploring their flaws and vulnerabilities with sensitivity and depth. The novel also explores themes of grief, loss, and healing, in a way that is both poignant and uplifting.
Diamond tackles these heavy themes with a deft hand, weaving them into the narrative in a way that feels organic and not forced. One of the strengths of Summer With My Sister is Diamond’s ability to capture the complexities and nuances of sisterhood.
The novel explores the various layers of the sisters’ relationship, from their childhood bonds to the resentments and misunderstandings that have built up over the years. It’s a nuanced and honest portrayal that will resonate with many readers.
In terms of weaknesses, some readers may find the pacing of the novel slow. While the languid pace works well for the story, there are moments where the novel can feel overly drawn-out.
Additionally, some readers may feel that the ending is too tidy, with all loose ends neatly tied up in a bow. Overall, Summer With My Sister is a beautifully crafted novel that will tug at the heartstrings and leave readers feeling uplifted.
Diamond’s writing is engaging and evocative, bringing the characters and setting to life with skill and care. While it may not be a novel that appeals to everyone, those who enjoy heartwarming family dramas are sure to find much to love in Summer With My Sister.
Rating: 4/5
