The Last Weekend of the Summer

by Peter Murphy

They have been coming to their grandmother Gloria's lake cottage since they were babies. Now Johnnie and Buddy have families of their own and C.C. has a life full of adult drama and adventure. And this trip – the only stated purpose of which is to bring the family together for the last weekend of the summer – seems full of portent. Gloria has been hinting that there's more on the agenda than grilling and swimming, and when the three siblings learn that their estranged father will also be in attendance, it becomes clear that this weekend will have implications that last far beyond the final days of the season.


A touching, incisive view into the dynamics of a family on the verge of change and filled with characters both distinctive and utterly relatable, THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE SUMMER is a rich, lyrical reading experience that will resonate in your heart.

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2018

About the author

“Ireland has produced more than its fair share of talented authors and poets: James Joyce, Patrick Kavanaugh, Austin Clarke, Brendan Behan, William Butler Yeats, and many more. With his stunning debut novel, Lagan Love, Peter Murphy is well on his way to adding his name to that impressive list…. Lagan Love takes the traditional love story and ramps it up several notches, with a supernatural twist that makes it an instant classic. I would highly recommend Lagan Love to anyone who loves supernatural romances, urban fantasies, and great literature in general. I can’t wait to read what Peter Murphy writes next.” -Douglas R. Cobb

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, you thought your family was a little dysfunctional? The larger it gets, the more diverse personalities come in to play and there is always one driving force who strives to keep the bonds of family alive. What if one member is no longer part of the “family?” Every family has a black sheep or two, and they are just part of the dynamics, until they are seen as an outcast, blood or no.

THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE SUMMER by Peter Murphy is a revealing tale of one family brought together in the hopes of healing old wounds before it is too late to ever do so. A loving and slightly quirky matriarch has a secret to share, and wishes her family to come together for one last summer weekend at her lakeside home. Is Gloria dying? Is she finally unable to live on her own?

Emotional and relatable, readers will find at least one character they recognize from their own families! Witness the dynamics, the shortfalls, the personality clashes, and the role each member plays, regardless of the generation they belong to. Then be part of the secret that is revealed, feel the torment, the turmoil, the anger and the love as one family finds growth, change and renewal through healing and reaching out to one another.

Thought provoking, sometimes humorous, sometimes agitating, this is a true slice of life being part of a family of flawed humans.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from the Story Plant!

Publisher: Fiction Studio Books (August 28, 2018)
Publication Date: August 28, 2018
Genre: Family Saga | Fiction | Relationships
Print Length: 224 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Lynda Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

On this last weekend of summer, matriarch Gloria brings her whole family together, even a surprise guest. She says, “Perhaps it is a little selfish of me, but I wanted you all here with me this weekend. I wanted my entire family to be together once more, while there is still time.” Of course, they all think she must be dying, but the truth is even harder to take. It will be a difficult weekend because “when they were all together - it was like they stopped being who they really were and all became characters in some drawn-out soap opera.” Long-held resentments will surface, relationships will be tested, and old family secrets will be revealed.

The story is told in the third person point-of-view of every family member, bar the two youngest boys. It’s hard to keep up with whose head you’re in, and even the author must have had trouble keeping up because sometimes two points-of-view are included in the same section. The dialogue is often lacking in contractions, making it stilted and unnatural and pulling the reader out of the story. Nevertheless, the author explores a rich tapestry of relationships in this family where everyone initially appears unlikable but ends up revealing their redeeming features. This is just the kind of family drama I’ve been missing and craving.

The story is followed by “Reading Group Questions” and “A Conversation with the Author”.

Warnings: coarse language, drug use, sexual references, LGBTQ themes, suicide references.

I received this book in return for an honest review.

Full blog post (21 September): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Weekend of the Summer by Peter Murphy
Story sounded interesting and am really getting into reading it.
Last weekend of the summer and all the families will assemble at Gloria's house on the lake.
Love that there are so many acitivities for the kids, grown men get time to themselves fishing and drinking, women of the tribe get to gather and plan and the ex of one women will be showing up.
It's all for Gloria's sake-others think it is about her dying, some think she will be moving in to their houses, others think it's about the grandfather.
Lots of drama but deep down feelings also show through. Like that Gloria has to use medical marijuana to get through the pains. Some don't agree with that treatment...
Secrets come out about the past and I like how they are dealt with by everybody. There are very strained moments similar to ones our family has dealt with over the years whenever the whole family got together. Some just don't get along with all, so you avoid them.
Great story, love the ending, a surprise! Love that this book covers all age groups and their realistic daily problems.
About the author and reading group questions and conversation with the author are included at the end. Other works by the author are highlighted also.
Received this review copy from The Story Plant via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheLastWeekendOfTheSummer #NetGalley

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every relationship has quirks. All relationships change over time. No one ever thinks their family is "normal." All families have secrets. Whenever extended family gathers together, some sort of conflict is expected. Well, THIS family experiences all of the above and more.
This wonderful, emotional read exposes many of the secrets, reveals how things can change from moment to moment, and how we never really understand what another person is thinking or feeling.
It also reminds us to toughen up and be more compassionate.

Lots of drama but told in such a compelling way I didn't want it to end.
The female characters are often stronger than they, themselves, realize.

[Quirkybookwormkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, even though this book is short, I’m going to recommend this book to EVERYONE! This major disfunctional family gets together for a reason. Most of the characters I could not stand but I was able to understand what the book was trying to convey to me. No one is perfect. Not one family is perfect. There will always be a dynamic in every family. This book is about secrets, families, relationships, marriages, jealousies, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and redemption. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the way it ended and I refuse to saything more. I received this ARC in an exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while an author comes along who writes novels that are so powerfully compelling, poignant, and thought-provoking, that the reader will be able to relate to it on some level. In The Last Weekend Of The Summer, author Peter Murphy weaves a wonderful story about the complicated dynamics of family relationships that will simply pull at your emotional heartstrings.

The Last Weekend Of The Summer is a richly descriptive literary tale that explores the dysfunctional family relationship of matriarch Gloria and her clan. Gloria requests that her whole family come together for the last weekend of the summer at the family lakeside cabin to resolve old issues, come to terms with the past, seek closure, make amends, gain redemption and reconciliation, and reestablish the familial bonds in order to keep the family together.

The family weekend is filled with drama, humor, sibling rivalry, animosity, unresolved dysfunctional family issues, secrets, regrets, resentments, and an emotional chance to renew the bonds of family. The author does a wonderful job of intertwining the family's dysfunctional past with the difficulties that they face in their present lives. You can't help but get swept away, relate, and experience the full gamut of emotions as Gloria and her family face a crossroad in their lives as they hash out their unresolved dysfunctional family dynamic while considering the intense and difficult choices of how to deal with their current life issues.

The Last Weekend Of The Summer is a powerful and compelling story written from the heart. It is a must read that will make you ponder your own family dynamic, stir your soul, and resonate with you for a very long time.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour hosted by Providence Book Promotions.

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[Priya Shrinath · Rating 4 out of 5]

My full review can be found at my blog page: https://syllablesofswathi.wordpress.c...

To start with it, this is very short book. But that doesn’t stop the author from conveying what he intended to say. Having read numerous domestic noirs, this book is all about the story of a dysfunctional family, so if you find the characters to be irritating and pounded upon, then you’re probably enjoying it. There is a reason I hooked myself with this book. It is because, I love reading a book that conveys some message in it, especially when it involves a family, relationships and marriage. it just makes me think and realize, what if it’s my family? How do I deal with it? Maybe this book will help!

There are secrets, hurt, anger, jealousies, betrayal, misunderstandings, unspoken conversations, remission, and tenderness in every family, which are perfectly narrated as fictional characters through some sensitive writing. Speaking of writing, I must warn you about the abrupt ending and a rather blunt climax, that made me refuse to shut the book. If you’re going to choose reading this one, then you must keep your mind open for suggestions and hints for a better climax.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well written story about a dysfunctional family with many secrets. There is a matriarch who thinks she can cause her family to face issues and grow through the resulting turmoil. There are relationships that need healing and people who need confronting. Insecurities abound. Forgiveness is in short supply. Abrasive personalities can ignite. And it all comes to a head during a long weekend at the matriarch's lakeside home.

There are many issues in this novel that a reading group could discuss and questions are included for that purpose. The story is plotted well and there is much for readers to think about at the end. Murphy's writing style is good.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Providence Book Promotions. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma amiga minha leu o livro e não parava de falar dele, que melhor que ninguém o ia entender, devorar num ápice... emprestou-mo. Ao lê-lo senti que bem podia ser um documentário, com movimento, imagens reais, pessoas reais, discursos que podia ter sido eu a dizê-los, tudo o que encontramos numa família mas diferente de tudo o que encontramos numa família, que bem podia ser a minha, de facto. As palavras escritas por Peter Murphy neste livro têm vida própria, devo dizer. A complexidade e as emoções descritas de um modo nada óbvio, numa escrita directa e gráfica... adorei cada página! E se por um lado queria acabar o livro para entender as personagens melhor, ouvi-las, saboreá-las, por outro lado, acabar seria despedir-me delas!

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Weekend of Summer by Peter Murphy is about a final family get together that last weekend before fall. Gloria, the great grandmother had asked her daughter-in-law and her grandchildren and their families to join her at family lake house for the last weekend of summer. The book starts with all the family driving to the lake in the traffic and then the ensuing days. Clearly this is a family who does drama well. What only part of the family knew was that their estranged father, ex-husband and son was also going to be there. He divorced and left the family leaving behind obviously bitter feelings with some of them.

Gloria is feeling old, but determined to have this weekend be successful for them. Mary (the daughter-in-law) is still bitter about the divorce all those years ago. Johnnie is the oldest always seems to be taking care of people. Buddy, the oldest daughter always takes her mother’s side and is very hard on her husband, Norm. CC is the youngest daughter and is enrolled in her own drama with a new love interest when she is still stuck on the old love interest. Add to this are spouses, grandchildren and a mix of emotions and revelations that add to the drama.

The Last Weekend of Summer by Peter Murphy was like watching a family drama or soap opera. I found myself being angry at some characters and cheering on others. I loved Gloria and wished that her wisdom from life could be infused in so many others. Peter Murphy’s characters and storyline make The Last Weekend of Summer by Peter Murphy a good read.

[SOMDReigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

“…while the past may be full of errors, the present is full of opportunities to make amends.”
Gloria, the family matriarch brings the entire family together (with one surprise guest) to the cottage for a last weekend of the summer. In an attempt to try to resolve some old family issues, secrets and grievances come to the surface and each person deals with it in their own way. Full of emotions, various personalities, it includes all age-groups making this a realistic family story. An ode to Summer, well-written read.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really impressed with this book! I was completely drawn in! I felt like I was watching my own family from within a mirror. Being able to see everything and hear everything from the plot of this story. Dysfunction is an understatement when it comes to some families and this story made me realize just how there are more dysfunctional families other than my own.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family explosion all over the place with flying pieces and debris to sort out is the best way to describe this novel. It is well written, conveying all the emotions, petty and non-petty grievances and underlying resentments that the characters experience. It all happens concisely over one weekend after years of building when siblings Johnnie, Buddy, and CC and their mother, Mary, are invited with their families to their grandmother’s home. The arrival of their estranged father, Jake, begins the building of emotions to volcanic proportions until explosion is imminent.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very touching and emotional story! This is one that will touch your heart for sure. It's loaded with angst and quirkiness but combined with that "heartfeltness" that just puts a smile on your face and actually can make you feel good about your own family LOL.

The writing is good and the character development is also good. You also really get a feel for their personalities (good and the bad). Unfortunately though, especially in the beginning, it was very slow for me. I still did enjoy the book. I just kept hoping for a bit more action.

So... while not one of my favorites, still a very good read dealing with real issues that will touch your heart. A new-to-me-author that I would love to try another one from.

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Providence Book Promotions ~ Thank You!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It is a privilege to share one's life with someone, and it is also a privilege to share death."
A wonderful novel about a family whose matriarch is Gloria. Gloria is 82 and only wants her family together for one final weekend in the cottage. Her goal is to encourage her family to move forward and forgive her son who has been estranged from his children,grandchildren and ex-wife.
A story of hurt, anger, love and reconciliation among those we know best- Family.
Well done!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy family dramas, with a touch of humor and charm, such as This is Where I Leave You or Home for the Holidays, The Last Weekend of the Summer is the perfect read for you!

When mother Mary and adult siblings Buddy, CC, and Johnnie arrive at their grandmother Gloria's lake house for one last family weekend, full of secrets, simmering resentments, and lots of love.

There are some strained moments, lightened by some witty moments. For all their frustration and disappointment with each other, it's clear that this family still loves each other, and their grandmother, very much.

Overall, a great read.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Weekend of the Summer by Peter Murphy is a beautifully woven family drama that will keep you engaged until the last page. The narratorial style is as dynamic as a hand-held video camera that captures scene by scene family interactions in their complexity, the obvious and the not-so-obvious psychological reactions, the winks, the frowns, the scowls and the ironies. The novel is a slice of life that blends together family psychology, humour, tongue-in-cheek dialogue and full-blown conflict. On top of everything, it is a display of humanity in all its messy and beautiful complexity.

The book is set at Gloria’s cottage by the lake somewhere in the Canadian countryside. The beauty of the nature and its protective calmness become the perfect backdrop for an intense family turmoil, spiced up with occasional and uplifting bouts of humour. The secludedness of the place forces the family members to dive deep into their own repressed fears and desires.

Gloria is a 82-year old matriarch who has found, in her old age, the ultimate freedom: that of being unapologetically herself. Driven by the need to put some of her own demons to rest, she carefully orchestrates a family reunion that will bring together her three grandchildren with their own families, her daughter-in-law and a surprise guest whose arrival will shock everybody. The gathering will inevitably cause patched wounds to re-open and bleed, the only way for healing to start. This is something Gloria assumed consciously. The process is not linear and it takes a lot of rollercoasting to get to the point of opening the closet, finding the skeleton and putting it to rest. Peter Murphy makes a great job at weaving past, present and future into one, showing cause and effect, exposing the Ariadne thread of emotional reactions and recycled past hurt that occurs so often in families across cultures and time.

One of the main characters is Mary, the ex-wife of Jake, Gloria’s estranged son. Mary displays from the beginning characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder - she twists and turns everything to make it about herself and her two most important roles: that of sacrificing mother and victim of marital neglect. Mary’s behaviour seems fixed, unalterable, but throughout the novel she starts changing in unexpected ways by confronting her own worst fears in the company of Gloria, turned healer and psychologist to her daughter-in-law after admitting her own deep mistakes that caused so much hurt in their lives. The two women embark together on a journey of self-discovery that will bring them to unexpected places in their own minds and hearts.

The grandchildren of Gloria: Johnnie, Buddy and CC will also go on an inner journey to confront their own worst fears. The Last Weekend of the Summer is a classic example of Adlerian psychology, the children’s roles corresponding with the roles inherited through birth order. Johnnie has always been the head of the family and the one who kept his younger sisters from trouble, but that has cost him a lot of energy and now he has to come to terms with his own unresolved emotions and learn to abandon his saviour complex. Buddy is finally realising that her marriage is on the brink of disaster and she must negotiate a balance between her role as a dutiful, often obedient daughter and the role of an independent adult, wife and mother of her own children. CC will discover something that she knew all along, buried in her unconscious mind, the secret that explains everything and that will shatter her world, but ultimately set her free.

A physical and metaphysical end of summer, an inevitable ending to things as they used to be for a family not too different from your own, the fifth novel of Peter Murphy is a glorious study in family psychology that will make you understand something more about life after you’ve read it. A must!

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I read a book by Peter Murphy, I feel transported right into the era or timeframe of the story. This novel is about a dysfunctional family, pretty much like anyone's family, we all have dysfunction at a certain level.

Gloria, the matriarch of the family, gathers her family, children and grandchildren, to the lake cottage that has been in the family for years. Johnnie, Buddy, and CC all bring along with them the family drama that they are dealing with, or not dealing with. They learn when they arrive at the lake cottage, that their estranged father will also be in attendance yet they don't know why they have been summoned. They all assume that Gloria is dying and getting her affairs in order. The three adult children, all have different reasons for not having a relationship with Jake.

The plot of this novel is very moving and relatable, as I said, everyone has drama and dysfunction, the characters are very believable, emotional and the story is fast-paced. A very moving story! Like I said, I always love a Peter Murphy novel, I don't think he can write anything bad and I look forward to the next book!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am probably the odd one out, but I spent most of this book wavering between being happy that my small family isn't very close and being jealous that this wasn't my family. I came down on the side of jealousy. Why? Because while there were secrets and resentments these people really do love each other. And while many of the problems come to their head over the weekend, their care for each other is really obvious. It is also very obvious that Mr. Murphy cares for his characters and his quality writing shows it. The only thing that had be scratching my head was how the kids were so well behaved for the weekend.

A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and The Story Plan in exchange for an honest review.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every family has is own style of dysfunction but Peter D. Murphy writes an amazing storyline that makes you nod your head more than once. Gloria has requested that her family come together "one last time". Immediately, we dive into each character's head and learn their point of view. The drama had me laughing, crying, shaking my head, and sighing (sometimes all at once!). Numerous scenes make me feel like I'm taking a trip down my own family memory lane. The unresolved anger and frustration between the family members makes you think about when you can't let go of issues with your own loved ones. A fun read that came at the perfect time -- the end of summer (since we just entered cooler fall weather!). 

I received a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was just going to be another book about a dysfunctional family. It’s not.

Oh, the family is definitely dysfunctional, but this book gets into all the ins and outs and whys. It’s a very good book.

You’re going to need a box of tissues at the end. And don’t bother reading the end before you read the rest of the book. It won’t make any sense to you.

I’ve not read any of Mr. Murphy’s previous books, but I’m certainly looking forward to his next one.

***Book provided without charge by Providence Book Promotions.***

[Alison Amiot · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Weekend Of the Summer is the story of a family coming together at the family matriarch's home for the last weekend of the summer. The family is led by the matriarch - Gloria, and consists of Gloria's ex daughter-in-law Mary, Mary's three adult children, their spouses and children. The book has some hidden twists in it, and it will leave you with some subtle insights on life and getting through hard times.

[Bernice Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this rating because this is a story that keeps your interest and relatable to real life. I liked the time of year, characters, and subject.

I would recommend this book because of how it deals with family drama and life issues. A fast moving read.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a good story, but a very slow read for me. I just didn't grab my attention. This is the story of a dysfunctional family gathering at their family lake house for one family members last time. The relationship between the mother and her eldest daughter was by far the worst. The mother was not very motherly and was very immature. The relationship between the sisters was terrible. So terrible that the eldest sister spills a secret that will forever change the younger sister. The brother really only played peacemaker and didn't have much personality of his own. The grandmother was the one who orchestrated the lake house weekend and tried control everyone. This was a good story, but I didn't enjoy the individual characters.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I could have benefited from a family tree visual to get through the first few chapters! I struggled to grasp the dynamics of the family the first few chapters. After I was able to navigate all the siblings and spouses and grandchildren, I became more intrigued. This book illustrates that every family has their own secrets and dysfunction, but when push comes to shove in this case, life and death, the family sets aside their differences and pulls together. It felt like the end was rushed, I would have enjoyed seeing how each child coped with the situation post lake house.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most families pile their skeletons into a dark closet and bar the door against prying eyes. In The Last Weekend of the Summer, each family member has their own personal closet. There is some awareness to what each has hidden, but no one is opening doors and sharing… until the last weekend of the summer.

Weekends at the lake aren’t new, but wanting to settle issues and cast out demons, family matriarch, Gloria, doesn’t tell her family the depth and meaning this weekend holds until they arrive. Her disclosure sets off a wave of drama, but that’s nothing new for this family.

Mary is Gloria’s former daughter-in-law and mother to Gloria’s three adult grandchildren. She is also the reigning drama queen. Since before her marriage to Gloria’s son, Jake, ended in divorce, she’s played the put-upon victim. After the divorce, it only grew worse, and she raised her children in a toxic environment of her own self-pity and denial which is directly responsible for the personality traits and flaws they possess as adults.

Johnnie, the oldest, is the family peacemaker, always trying to keep the hot-pot between his mother and two sisters from boiling over.

Rosemary aka Rosebud aka Buddy hates her father for leaving and always defends her mother… even when she doesn’t agree with her. Buddy is also emulating her mother's behavior and it's creating conflict in her marriage.

Youngest, C.C., is the wild child who’s quick to act out or throw a tantrum and was conflicted about her sexuality.

This group is dysfunction at its best. There has been so much left unsaid and so much bad behavior allowed over the years, I wondered why they even bothered to get together at all.

And it showed no signs of ending.

Buddy wants to move Mary into their home and is hellbent on getting hubs, Norm, to agree. Norm wants no part of it, but when did he ever get what he wanted?

Carol, Johnnie’s wife, is the bright spot in this read for me.

She fits into the family dysfunction, but only because it suits her. She could be a shrew like Buddy, but that’s not who she is. Carol and Johnnie have a good, solid marriage, and she endures what she must out of love and support of him… and indirectly, Gloria.

Carol knows when to push and when to ease up, but she’s not afraid of calling any of them out on their crap.

Poor Norm ends up as the family fall guy and Buddy’s favorite target. He can do nothing right in her eyes and she never fails to let him know it.

But every man has his limits.

C.C. has always felt out-of-sync in her family, and life. Even after she accepts her true sexuality, C.C. doesn’t grow up because she feels she has to rebel at the unspoken disapproval of her family.

Not a group I’d want to be stuck with for a weekend, but Gloria feels she must do what she can to atone for her part in the family’s issues.

Jake’s arrival is the stick of dynamite needed to blow the years of closed mouths, secrets, and denials wide open and get honest communication started. Even if it hadn’t helped the adults, Buddy and Norm’s two young boys and Johnnie and Carol’s two teens could have fallen into similar patterns of behavior without open discussion. Susie and Joey, the teens, are already aware of tension and riffs… and at times, show more maturity and wisdom than some adults.

I felt bad for Jake and wonder if there was ever a time he could have changed directions. Gloria is sure she missed opportunities.

While abrupt, I felt the ending was fitting for those involved. But before that, there are still a few too many loose ends for me. I don’t need unicorns and rainbows, or even closure, just more direction.

The Last Weekend of the Summer is a unique look into the dynamics of one family and how attempts to keep the peace can be as destructive as lies and unspoken truths. Readers are sure to see something of themselves, or their families, in this read.

Enjoy!

[Big Time Book Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Weekend of Summer was a good story about a very dysfunctional family. There was drama, love, tenderness and kindness, but also some hard facts shared. In the beginning I wasn't sure I liked any of the characters, but they quickly grew on me and became much more three dimensional.

I'm sure most people can relate to at least one or two of the characters just from the people we meet in our daily lives, much less those in our families. Gloria, as well as being the matriarch, is the person I really found myself caring for the most. She was the backbone of the family and gave them all a good shake when they needed it.

I appreciated the way things were wrapped up in the book even though parts were a little unconventional. It worked very well.

I hesitated quite a bit, torn between 4 and 5 stars for this story, so I'd say 4.5 stars. If you like books about families and their lives, this will be one you'd likely enjoy. I am glad I read it.
I asked for an ARC and was approved. My opinions are my own.

[Timothy Basi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Last Weekend of the Summer” è il mio libro preferito di Peter Murphy. È una storia che parla del modo in cui ci si confronta col passato: il passato è incastonato nel presente di ognuno di noi e, col passare degli anni, assume sempre contorni nuovi e inaspettati. Gloria, Mary e tutti gli altri membri della famiglia, attraverso un’interazione non sempre facile - ma punteggiata da pennellate di squisita ironia – saranno alla fine del libro persone profondamente diverse. L’intreccio cattura da subito l’attenzione del lettore e i dialoghi hanno un tocco leggero ed elegante che ricorda Calvino. Assolutamente consigliato.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of a family facing not only the end of summer but a major change in their family. Gloria has called her children home to the cottage for a visit hinting that there is going to be more than bonfires and boating. When Johnnie, Buddy and CC arrive with their spouses and kids Gloria tells them their estranged father is also attending. This story is emotional and touches on lots of key issues facing people today. The reader experiences a range of emotions from joy to sadness. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.