Wow – Gripping!

The Last Good Summer by JJ Greene is a completely gripping dual timeline novel that I just could not put down.

The novel is set in Ireland in the summer of 1986 and in present day. The chapters alternate between the two time periods as the stories unfold, linked by the central characters. Something clearly happened in 1986, which has haunted a character ever since.

There was a moment frozen in time, around which, everything has since pivoted. Actions that cannot be altered, as the ball is set rolling and the dominoes are toppled one by one. A character has wallowed in guilt ever since, punishing themselves for what they cannot change.

We witness relationships within a family. When jealousy comes knocking, actions will always have consequences – but can you live with them?

A character has been fighting for what is right – both in 1986 and in present day. There have been disastrous consequences in both time periods.

In present day we witness a scandal being unleashed, with corruption in the highest of places. As a character tries to reveal all, lives are increasingly put in danger.

All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. They were easy to empathise with.