In "28 Summers" by Elin Hilderbrand, the story follows Mallory who inherits a cottage in Nantucket and begins a yearly affair with Jake, her brother's friend. Over 28 years, they meet annually for a secret weekend, despite their separate lives and relationships. The book weaves themes of love, loss, and infidelity, capturing the ups and downs of Mallory and Jake's relationship against the backdrop of Nantucket's summertime charm. The writing style includes yearly summaries of significant events, providing a nostalgic journey through each Labor Day weekend rendezvous and the evolving lives of the characters.

The plot of "28 Summers" revolves around Mallory and Jake's enduring love story, set against the picturesque backdrop of Nantucket. Despite the challenges they face in their personal lives, the annual tradition of meeting for a weekend getaway creates a bittersweet and captivating narrative. The book captures the complexities of relationships, the passage of time, and the sacrifices made in the name of love, making it a poignant and engaging read for fans of heartfelt romantic fiction.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted with relatable struggles, although some, like Mallory, can evoke frustration due to their choices.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by engaging prose with vivid descriptions and pop culture references that transport readers to the setting.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a long-term secret love affair that unfolds during yearly Labor Day weekends in Nantucket, spanning nearly three decades.

Setting:

The setting is primarily Nantucket, vividly depicted, and plays a crucial role in immersing readers into the narrative.

Pacing:

Pacing is varied, with some transitions feeling rushed while effectively maintaining engagement with the narrative.

What are we talking about in 1993? Waco, Texas; the World Trade Center bombing; Arthur Ashe; R.E.M.; Lorena Bobbitt; Robert Redford, Woody Harrelson, and Demi Moore; NAFTA; River Phoenix; the EU; Got ...

Notes:

The book is set in Nantucket, a location frequently used in Elin Hilderbrand's novels.

It spans 28 years, following the lives of Mallory and Jake over their annual meetings on Labor Day weekend.

Each chapter starts with pop culture references from the corresponding year, enhancing the nostalgic feel.

The story includes elements of infidelity, which some readers found controversial but added depth to character development.

Key themes include love, loss, friendship, and the complexities of relationships.

Mallory, the main character, is portrayed as a relatable and imperfect figure, making her story engaging.

While the book features a long-standing love affair, it also tackles issues around fidelity and the consequences of choices in relationships.

The narrative is described as both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, demonstrating Hilderbrand's ability to evoke strong emotions.

Readers appreciated the vivid descriptions of Nantucket, making them feel connected to the setting, even if they had never visited.

The use of real-life events as a backdrop for the characters' lives created a deeper sense of realism across the 28 years.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers and content warnings for 28 Summers include themes of infidelity, emotional turmoil, illness, and death.

Has Romance?

Yes, romance is a significant element throughout the narrative, albeit complicated and intertwined with themes of infidelity.

From The Publisher:

A "captivating and bittersweet" novel by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Summer of '69: Their secret love affair has lasted for decades-but this could be the summer that changes everything (People).

When Mallory Blessing's son, Link, receives deathbed instructions from his mother to call a number on a slip of paper in her desk drawer, he's not sure what to expect. But he certainly does not expect Jake McCloud to answer. It's the late spring of 2020 and Jake's wife, Ursula DeGournsey, is the frontrunner in the upcoming Presidential election.

There must be a mistake, Link thinks. How do Mallory and Jake know each other?

Flash back to the sweet summer of 1993: Mallory has just inherited a beachfront cottage on Nantucket from her aunt, and she agrees to host her brother's bachelor party. Cooper's friend from college, Jake McCloud, attends, and Jake and Mallory form a bond that will persevere-through marriage, children, and Ursula's stratospheric political rise-until Mallory learns she's dying.

Based on the classic film Same Time Next Year (which Mallory and Jake watch every summer), 28 Summers explores the agony and romance of a one-weekend-per-year affair and the dramatic ways this relationship complicates and enriches their lives, and the lives of the people they love.

Ratings (13)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (6)
Liked It (3)

Reader Stats (25):

Read It (14)
Want To Read (8)
Not Interested (3)

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28 Summers

Elin Hilderbrand

Book 1 in the series:Summer of