Swallowtail summer (by Erica James)

(Amazon UK link)

It’s probably twenty years since I started reading Erica James’ novels. I liked the first ones I read so much that I gradually acquired more of her work. She is still publishing new books fairly regularly, so I keep an eye on them, and as soon as they’re available in paperback I add them to my wishlist. ‘Swallowtail summer’ was published last year, and I was given it for Christmas 2019.

I kept the book on my to-read shelf, savouring the idea of another Erica James - and finally read over the past few days. After the first few chapters it was difficult to put down, although equally I didn’t want it to end.

There’s quite a large cast of characters in this novel, but the author is so good at characterisation that I quickly recalled who was whom. Each chapter switches to a different viewpoint, but although there’s no indication at the start who is speaking, it isn’t difficult to distinguish. Each is told in the third person, so there’s no confusion.

Alastair is the central character, the catalyst for the whole story. He’s a wealthy man in his early sixties who inherited a large house, Linston End, on the Norfolk Broads. Over the years he has generously shared it with his closest friends and their families. Alastair has recently lost his wife Orla, and has been travelling abroad for some months. Now, in the first chapter, he’s returning home, although he’s come to a decision which he knows his friends are not going to like…

Simon and Danny were friends with Alastair from primary school years, inseparable as brothers, sharing - so they thought- everything. They maintained their friendship as they grew up, and Simon married Sorrel, one of Alastair’s former girlfriends. Danny, who isn’t in the best of health, is married to a delightful woman called Frankie who sees her role as peacemaker.

Simon and Sorrel have two children: Callum, who lives near Linston End and works in the boatyard, and Rachel, who’s somewhat self-centred and longs to get married. This is more for the occasion and glamour of a wedding than for wanting to spend the rest of her life with any particular individual. Rachel’s closest friend is Jenna, Danny and Frankie’s daughter, who is somewhat like her mother in character, and has recently determined never ever to have a relationship with someone she works with…

These people got under my skin to the extent that although I’m finally writing this review three days after finishing ‘Swallowtail Summer’, I still recall not just their personalities but their names. They’re a delightful mixture of people who care about each other, and spend their summer holidays together at Linston End. But, because of Alastair’s loss and the decision he’s come to, this is likely to be the last time.

Alastair’s late wife Orla is also an important part of the novel. We never meet her - other than in brief flashbacks - but her influence over each of the other characters becomes clear. The younger generation see her as a fun, creative and inspiring person. The older generation have more mixed opinions, particularly Sorrel, and it’s only towards the end that we discover exactly what her relationship with Alastair was like.

There are other people in the story, but it would be something of a spoiler to mention the significant ones. Suffice it to say that the book covers themes such as the pull of friendship, and what it really means; how it is contrasted with romantic relationships, and what love really means. It also gradually uncovers secrets that the characters keep from each other; even in Danny and Frankie’s marriage, which is loving and strong, Frankie worries more than she admits, and Danny has been visiting an old people’s home in secret…

The story takes place over the course of the summer, and while there are many interleaved storylines, it’s essentially a character-based novel. Each of the main characters learns something about themselves as well as about their loved ones. There are some shocks, one of which I didn’t see coming at all. But the other one, the climax to the book, was foreshadowed and didn’t surprise me; I didn’t particularly like it, but perhaps it was the only way forward.

As for the ending, tying threads up in a way that might be too neat and tidy for some, I thought it was beautifully done. There are resolutions, reconciliations, and encouragement for the future.

All in all, I thought this a wonderful book and would recommend it to anyone who likes thoughtful women’s fiction.

Review copyright 2020 Sue's Book Reviews