Book Summary from Algonquin Books
“When I look back now, it hurtles toward us like a meteor. But at the time we were too wrapped up in our day-to-day life to see it. Charlie and I lived in a borrowed house by the ocean. Our daughter, Sarah, was fifteen months old. September had just arrived, emptying the beaches at the very moment they became most spectacular.”
Brett has been in love with Charlie ever since he took her skiing on a lovely Colorado night fourteen years ago. And now, living in a seaside cottage on Cape Cod with their young daughter, it looks as if they have settled into the life they desired. However, Brett and Charlie’s marriage has been tenuous for quite some time. When Charlie’s unstable younger brother plans to move in with them, the tension simmering under the surface of their marriage boils over.
But what happened to Charlie next was unfathomable. Charlie was the golden boy so charismatic that he charmed everyone who crossed his path; who never shied away from a challenge; who saw life as one big adventure; who could always rescue his troubled brother, no matter how unpredictable the situation.
So who is to blame for the tragic turn of events? And why does Brett feel responsible?
Set against the desolate autumn beauty of Cape Cod, The Last September is a riveting emotional puzzle that takes readers inside the psyche of a woman facing the meaning of love and loyalty.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this selection from The She Reads Books of Fall. I listened to the audio which is narrated by Rebecca Mitchell and I found her tone and different voices and emotions of characters very easy to listen to. Coming in at 10 hours and 19 minutes she definitely captured the essence of the story for me and the hours flew by.
Brett loved Charlie from the moment she met him. He was the brother of her friend Eli and he seemed to have it all – confidence, good looks, and Brett fell hard for him. Eventually they marry and have a child but what seems as though it should be a perfect life does have its flaws. The biggest of those is actually Eli, mentally ill now, who continues to show up in their lives and cause chaos. When an unthinkable tragedy occurs Brett finds herself lost and struggling. Looking back over the past and trying to figure out who she can blame for the tragedy Brett is faced with also trying to find herself and a way to move on.
The Last September is a beautifully written, emotional novel. One definitely worth reading. Readers of women’s fiction or mysteries would likely be drawn to this story. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
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Loved this one as well – glad u liked it.
It sounds like that packs an emotional punch.
This does sound like a story that would evoke strong emotions. I’m glad you enjoyed the audio version, Darlene.
Have a lovely weekend!
Wow, Darlene. This does sound good! I love stories that bring out my emotions. I will have to look for this one.