I read A SUMMER IN EUROPE for an "author you've never read" theme in my online book club, The Reading Cove.
While the story opened up well and pulled me right in, and the trip through Europe made for a nice sort of travelogue, I found the overall narrative rather disappointing. Gwen was much too self-absorbed and uptight to make a month-long trip through her POV very enjoyable.
Her character development was also a little elementary, too ABC and on the nose for my tastes, just spoon feeding the reader. There was little nuance or depth to her growth.
Moreover, her relationship with two brothers on the trip, Emerson and Thoreau, felt awkward and bland. The "hip" intellectuals were boring and flavorless, with a very juvenile sibling rivalry thrown in. As a result, I felt little to no chemistry or tension leading up to Gwen's ultimate realization about her boyfriend Richard. I just wanted the story to be over.
So overall, I give A SUMMER IN EUROPE 2.5/5 stars. Would I recommend the read? No, I don't think so. You're better off spending your reading time with something by Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy instead. :)
While the story opened up well and pulled me right in, and the trip through Europe made for a nice sort of travelogue, I found the overall narrative rather disappointing. Gwen was much too self-absorbed and uptight to make a month-long trip through her POV very enjoyable.
Her character development was also a little elementary, too ABC and on the nose for my tastes, just spoon feeding the reader. There was little nuance or depth to her growth.
Moreover, her relationship with two brothers on the trip, Emerson and Thoreau, felt awkward and bland. The "hip" intellectuals were boring and flavorless, with a very juvenile sibling rivalry thrown in. As a result, I felt little to no chemistry or tension leading up to Gwen's ultimate realization about her boyfriend Richard. I just wanted the story to be over.
So overall, I give A SUMMER IN EUROPE 2.5/5 stars. Would I recommend the read? No, I don't think so. You're better off spending your reading time with something by Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy instead. :)
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