Voices in Summer

Rosamunde Pilcher writes in a way that is so comfortable you feel you have come home after time away and your mother is catching you up on all the shenanigans of your sisters while you were gone. She describes Cornwall, a world in which everyone gardens, lives comfortably, dips in the ocean, builds comfy fires in the evening, and knows the neighbors, and she does it in a way that makes you feel you belong to this place where you have never been.

The weather was changing, the barometer dropping. A wind had risen, flowing in from the southwest, warm and blustery. On the horizon, clouds banked in dark billows, but the sky remained blue, crossed by banks of white cumulus. The sea, observed from the gardens of Tremenheere, no longer lay blue show more and flat as silk, but was whipped into flecks of surf. Doors slammed and windows rattled, and sheets and pillowcases and Joshua’s nappies flapped and bellied on the washing line, making a noise like badly set sails.

I can see the wash on the line and feel the wind whipping the sea, and I want to go stand outside and catch the breeze on my face and smell the salt in the air.

I knew who the culprit was going to be (although I got the reason wrong), and I figured on the slight romantic twist, but it didn’t matter at all. It was a story told for the joy of the experience, for the knowing of the people, for the visit to Cornwall. It was like a tiny vacation...and what better time to take a vacation than summer? show less

Laura, recovering from a minor operation, goes to stay with some elderly relatives in Cornwall. As she starts to recuperate, she makes some new friends and learns a lot about herself.

It's a well-written plot with delightful people, and even - unusually for Rosamunde Pilcher - a slight 'whodunit' thread, when unpleasant anonymous notes start appearing.

Re-reading after ten years, I had entirely forgotten the people and the plot, which made it all the more enjoyable. Not a long book - a little over 200 pages - but warm and, in places, very moving.

Recommended.

I am reading Pilcher's books somewhat in reverse order of publication. This story engaged me, but it was simpler than her later books. I love her writing.

I am going through a bit of a [a:Rosamunde Pilcher|20849|Rosamunde Pilcher|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1244293675p2/20849.jpg] phase. This book was copyrighted in 1984 and is different than two of her other books that I have read recently, [b:Snow in April|60469|Snow In April|Rosamunde Pilcher|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170542447s/60469.jpg|1323954] and [b:Another View|60464|Another View|Rosamunde Pilcher|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170542444s/60464.jpg|2881770]. Laura, the main character is much more afraid and uncommunicative than other characters, though she does share some qualities with Caroline from [b:Snow in April|60469|Snow In April|Rosamunde show more Pilcher|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170542447s/60469.jpg|1323954]. I think Pilcher is trying to explain that by delving into Alec's past, but she doesn't get that across and the beginning of the book come across as very poorly written.

As I read this book again, I was disappointed that Pilcher is very vague about Laura's medical problems and that "same old trouble" and "insides going mad" is very unsatisfying as an explanation for surgery. I also found it to be an uncharacteristic writing tactic for Pilcher.

I realized, however, in reading this book that Pilcher's use of language and words really supports the wonderful descriptions she uses in her books. One sentence had to do with making drinks. She wrote something like "...manhandled the ice..." and that evokes a clear image in my mind of trying to get ice out of an ice tray - either twisting the plastic ones or pulling up the freezing cold lever of a metal ice tray.

Once the characters get to Tremenheere, the story opens up and a lot of baggage is left behind. The descriptions are, once again, wonderful and [a:Rosamunde Pilcher|20849|Rosamunde Pilcher|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1244293675p2/20849.jpg]'s style surfaces. A lot of characters feelings are explained later in the book and it becomes much more enjoyable to read. A lot happens at the end and I would have liked a lot more explanation, but it works. show less

Laura Haverstock was a shy newlywed recovering from an illness on the coast of Cornwall. She was apart from her husband and facing the wants of her heart for the first time all alone. She will make intimate discoveries about herself, her family and her friends. I loved this story and give it an A+!

Pilcher's books are usually easy, enjoyable reads. They take me to my happy place. This one was no exception.

Pilcher's books are like a visit to an old friend--comfortable and pleasant. This book is no exception.