The Forgotten Summer by Carol Drinkwater

I have long loved Carol Drinkwater’s biographical books and wasn’t sure at first about this fictional novel but it slowly grabbed me. A story comprised of long buried horror, a wild feud between mother and daughter-in-law and thwarted hopes.

A tragedy triggers the uncovering of historical truths when Jane has to delve into her filmmaker husband Luc and his aggressive mother, Clarrise’s past in Algiers, all while attempting to revive the fortunes of their suffering vineyard. Clarrise hates Jane and blames her for the failure of their crop and a long ago sacrifice, while Luc discovers unpalatable secrets when researching his family.. in the midst of it, a mysterious and unknown woman with the initial A leads Jane to doubt her love and marriage.

Drinkwater’s style can gallop along, a little confusingly in places but her commitment to the French countryside and authentic history is well displayed in this tale. Over a long hot summer, the beautiful French chateau and estate’s hidden dark historical secrets finally come to the fore.

Review by Rosanna Tharakan-May

@thereaderinthesands