Book Review: Every Summer After Book by Carley Fortune

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of family, love, and the enduring effects of loss. Set in a small town in Ontario, Canada, the story follows the lives of four siblings who are forced to confront their past and their own inner demons during one fateful summer.

The novel centers around the McAllister family, whose lives were shattered when their youngest sibling, Lily, disappeared twenty years ago. The disappearance had a profound impact on each family member, causing them to drift apart and struggle with their own personal traumas. Now, as adults, they are brought back together when their father falls gravely ill, forcing them to confront their shared past and finally confront the truth about what happened to Lily.

Fortune’s writing is exquisite and evocative, capturing the small town atmosphere and the complex emotions of the characters with great depth and sensitivity. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the inner thoughts and struggles of each sibling. The characters are incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique voice and personal journey. From the eldest sister, Maeve, who has shouldered the burden of guilt for Lily’s disappearance, to the troubled and rebellious brother, Finn, who has been haunted by the loss in his own destructive ways, every character feels authentic and relatable.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its exploration of grief and its lasting impact on individuals and families. Fortune delves into the complexities of grief and the ways it can shape and define our lives, as well as the different coping mechanisms that people employ. She skillfully portrays the intricacies of sibling relationships and the ways in which shared experiences can both bind and separate us. The novel also touches on themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of love to heal wounds.

The pacing of the story is well-executed, with the plot gradually unfolding and revealing new layers of the characters’ past and present. Fortune effortlessly weaves together the past and present, creating a narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The prose is lyrical and immersive, drawing readers into the small town atmosphere and the lives of the McAllister siblings.

Every Summer After is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the profound impact of loss and the ways in which it can shape our lives. Carley Fortune has crafted a compelling story with complex characters and a richly textured narrative. This book is a testament to the enduring strength of family and the resilience of the human spirit. Readers who enjoy literary fiction that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the human experience will find themselves captivated by Every Summer After.