Book Review: The Girls of Summer - Katie Bishop

 “The Girls of Summer” is a debut novel by Katie Bishop. Let me start by saying that this book is not a light summer beach read - it’s dark, like “My Sweet Vanessa” dark - and about as uncomfortable a subject to read. Other reviewers have summarized the story better than I can (each time I try I end up giving away twists), but suffice to say that Rachel meets Alistair, a much older man, falls in love with him and for the next 16 years is obsessed about her memories of her first love.

This story is told in two timelines - then and now. It was interesting seeing how the past unfolded for Rachel - how quickly she became besotted with not only Alistair, but also that summer lifestyle. This book really reminded me of the Epstein/Maxwell scandal and, as this book was influenced by the #metoo movement, I can understand the parallels. While I had some sympathy for Rachel as she worked through her emotions and memories, I also kept thinking “girl, get thee to a therapist!” Thank goodness for Jules being her friend, putting up with her, helping her in so many ways, and being there when Rachel needed someone.

This is a very difficult book for me to rate because the topic is so dark that I cannot say that I “enjoyed” it - especially when I cannot say that I really liked many of the characters. At times the pacing was a bit slow, though it served its purpose as some of those slow paced moments later set things up later in the book. However, unlike “My Dark Vanessa” I don’t feel like I need to re-read this one as I had some issues with Rachel’s actions and reactions (her treatment of Tom, the rekindling of her past relationship, and some of her decisions overall). This book is uncomfortable and a heavy topic, but I applaud Ms. Bishop for tackling it in a very caring manner. Four stars.