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Summerland
Brigid is one of a group of child refugees being escorted to England by the Red Cross in October 1946. She is a serious, silent figure, with worn clothes and shoes and a small cardboard suitcase containing all her belongings. On arrival at Waterloo station however, Brigid breaks from the group and runs . . .
Brigid has a secret which she has buried deep inside her. She also has an ulterior motive: she needs to find a place called Summerland Hall where she hopes she will find the one person left alive who is deeply important to her.
An extraordinary tale, with some events inspired by history, that encompasses truth, tolerance, racism and forgiveness.
Brigid has a secret which she has buried deep inside her. She also has an ulterior motive: she needs to find a place called Summerland Hall where she hopes she will find the one person left alive who is deeply important to her.
An extraordinary tale, with some events inspired by history, that encompasses truth, tolerance, racism and forgiveness.
262 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2019
10 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Adlington
13 books431 followersI am fascinated by the stories clothes can tell about the people who made, sold and wore them.
My latest non-fiction book is 'The Dressmakers of Auschwitz', revealing the lives and fates of a remarkable group of mainly Jewish women who sewed to survive in a fashion salon established by the camp commandant's wife. It has been a privilege to bring these stories into the light.
'Women's Lives & Clothes in WW2' is a global overview of the 1940s, drawing on interviews with veterans and items from my vintage collection.
History is also the inspiration for my YA novels, including 'The Red Ribbon', 'Sunmerland', 'The Burning Mountain' and 'The Glittering Eye'
In between all this writing I give presentations on costume history - such a fabulous job: www.historywardrobe.com @historywardrobe
I love switching off with crime thrillers (Lee Child, Agatha Christie...) or with biographies
My latest non-fiction book is 'The Dressmakers of Auschwitz', revealing the lives and fates of a remarkable group of mainly Jewish women who sewed to survive in a fashion salon established by the camp commandant's wife. It has been a privilege to bring these stories into the light.
'Women's Lives & Clothes in WW2' is a global overview of the 1940s, drawing on interviews with veterans and items from my vintage collection.
History is also the inspiration for my YA novels, including 'The Red Ribbon', 'Sunmerland', 'The Burning Mountain' and 'The Glittering Eye'
In between all this writing I give presentations on costume history - such a fabulous job: www.historywardrobe.com @historywardrobe
I love switching off with crime thrillers (Lee Child, Agatha Christie...) or with biographies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 18, 2019
A wonderful, wonderful read. I didn't realise it was a YA novel when I applied to review it and hadn't read one before.
It was almost a book of two halves. It starts off with the Red Cross bringing refugees from war torn Europe to England to get new homes for them.
Brigitta travels with them but makes her escape as soon as possible to go on a journey herself that she had already planned.
When she reaches Summerland the first half of the story begins. We know she has a secret. This part is very well handled. Keeps you guessing.
Then about three quarters of the way through we find out what it is. At around this point I knew an inkling had been lurking in the back of my mind but even so I'm was amazed at it. Then the story continues in a new vein.
This book has many emotions running through it and is a story of human nature and how people treat one another. It's heartbreaking and uplifting. A real roller coaster of a ride.
I would highly recommend it.
Thanks to readersfirst for a copy of this book to review.
It was almost a book of two halves. It starts off with the Red Cross bringing refugees from war torn Europe to England to get new homes for them.
Brigitta travels with them but makes her escape as soon as possible to go on a journey herself that she had already planned.
When she reaches Summerland the first half of the story begins. We know she has a secret. This part is very well handled. Keeps you guessing.
Then about three quarters of the way through we find out what it is. At around this point I knew an inkling had been lurking in the back of my mind but even so I'm was amazed at it. Then the story continues in a new vein.
This book has many emotions running through it and is a story of human nature and how people treat one another. It's heartbreaking and uplifting. A real roller coaster of a ride.
I would highly recommend it.
Thanks to readersfirst for a copy of this book to review.
September 19, 2019
This is a lovely short book that follows 15 year old Jewish Brigitta who is from Austria and is escorted from Europe along with other child refugees to England by the Red Cross after world War Two. We hear of all the horrors that poor Brigitta has had to face during the war which is really sad. Once Brigitta arrives in England, her aim is to get to Summerland to find the answers she has been looking for.
The book is beautifully written, easy to read and thought provoking, and the characters were really likeable. I also liked how each chapter of the book was named after food especially as it was a time where food was really important with the food being included in the chapters.
The book is beautifully written, easy to read and thought provoking, and the characters were really likeable. I also liked how each chapter of the book was named after food especially as it was a time where food was really important with the food being included in the chapters.
October 4, 2019
This book tackled some really interesting themes that are rarely addressed in historical fiction. The protagonist's struggle with their identity is completely compelling, but the execution of the twists and turns in this novel seem a bit lacklustre.
From the outset, it was difficult to empathise with the narrator. They were constantly mentioning the fact that they were hiding something from the other characters, that when the final revelation eventually came, it was a little underwhelming. Furthermore, some of the secondary characters lacked depth, and some of their actions seemed so random that it was impossible to read them as believable people.
The historical events discussed in this novel were interesting, and it provided a suitable introduction to issues rarely raised, however many of the most pertinent questions were only addressed briefly. Overall, this book had a lot of promise but was a little disappointing in its delivery.
From the outset, it was difficult to empathise with the narrator. They were constantly mentioning the fact that they were hiding something from the other characters, that when the final revelation eventually came, it was a little underwhelming. Furthermore, some of the secondary characters lacked depth, and some of their actions seemed so random that it was impossible to read them as believable people.
The historical events discussed in this novel were interesting, and it provided a suitable introduction to issues rarely raised, however many of the most pertinent questions were only addressed briefly. Overall, this book had a lot of promise but was a little disappointing in its delivery.
February 13, 2020
Through the character of Brigitta, Summerland brings to life the story of children who survived the Nazi concentration camps or were orphaned by the War and who were brought to Britain as refugees. The reader gradually learns of Brigitta’s traumatic experiences: forced into hiding for fear of persecution as a Jew, sheltering alongside her mother in bomb-damaged buildings, searching for scraps of food.
Arriving at Summerland Hall, a place she was told about by her mother, Brigitta’s wonder at being offered the luxury of jam to stir into her porridge reminds the reader of the contrast with the privations she has suffered. This is also cleverly brought home by Brigitta’s very different reaction from that of the village children to things like men in uniform, fireworks on Bonfire Night or games like Murder in the Dark. ‘The words were ominous, but in England, it seemed murder in the dark didn’t mean watching your neighbours getting shot at three in the morning.’ Ironically, Brigitta recalls being told by her mother during the time they were in hiding to think of it like a game.
Amid the more serious subject matter there are some lovely touches of humour, from the failure of Brigitta’s English/German dictionary to cope with phrases such as Toad in the Hole to the quirky chapter headings representing the unfamiliar foodstuffs Brigitta encounters – Fish-Paste Sandwiches, Bacon Butties, Violet Creams. And anyone of my generation who experienced school lunches may chuckle, as I did, at her impression of being served a plate of liver and onions. ‘The liver was like leather with bits of rubber piping in. […] The onions looked like beige phlegm.’ Sorry, if you were eating your dinner while reading that!
A character I particularly liked was Summerland’s cook, Sophie Rover, for her kindness to Brigitta and her simple philosophy of life that everyone should be well fed and comfortable. As Brigitta sagely observes: ‘If only she had been leader of the Third Reich, not Hitler. Meatuntooveg instead of mass murder, misery and world war.’
When Lady Summer, owner of Summerland Hall, embarks on the restoration of the house following its requisitioning for military use during the war, it seems an analogy for recovery after conflict. It’s as if Brigitta’s arrival has brought new life to the house, such as the rather different kind of musical entertainment at the traditional New Year’s Eve party or Lady Summer’s uncharacteristic hospitality towards the village children. However, Brigitta herself sees only the ghosts of the past.
As Brigitta’s past catches up with her things turn darker and the reader is reminded of the suspicion and recriminations that can linger after conflict and the physical and mental scars caused by war. Finally, the secret that has brought Brigitta to Summerland is revealed, offering the prospect of a different, and perhaps unexpected, future for her and others.
Although aimed at young adults, Summerland is an engrossing, emotional and beautifully crafted story that will engage readers of all ages. I loved it.
Arriving at Summerland Hall, a place she was told about by her mother, Brigitta’s wonder at being offered the luxury of jam to stir into her porridge reminds the reader of the contrast with the privations she has suffered. This is also cleverly brought home by Brigitta’s very different reaction from that of the village children to things like men in uniform, fireworks on Bonfire Night or games like Murder in the Dark. ‘The words were ominous, but in England, it seemed murder in the dark didn’t mean watching your neighbours getting shot at three in the morning.’ Ironically, Brigitta recalls being told by her mother during the time they were in hiding to think of it like a game.
Amid the more serious subject matter there are some lovely touches of humour, from the failure of Brigitta’s English/German dictionary to cope with phrases such as Toad in the Hole to the quirky chapter headings representing the unfamiliar foodstuffs Brigitta encounters – Fish-Paste Sandwiches, Bacon Butties, Violet Creams. And anyone of my generation who experienced school lunches may chuckle, as I did, at her impression of being served a plate of liver and onions. ‘The liver was like leather with bits of rubber piping in. […] The onions looked like beige phlegm.’ Sorry, if you were eating your dinner while reading that!
A character I particularly liked was Summerland’s cook, Sophie Rover, for her kindness to Brigitta and her simple philosophy of life that everyone should be well fed and comfortable. As Brigitta sagely observes: ‘If only she had been leader of the Third Reich, not Hitler. Meatuntooveg instead of mass murder, misery and world war.’
When Lady Summer, owner of Summerland Hall, embarks on the restoration of the house following its requisitioning for military use during the war, it seems an analogy for recovery after conflict. It’s as if Brigitta’s arrival has brought new life to the house, such as the rather different kind of musical entertainment at the traditional New Year’s Eve party or Lady Summer’s uncharacteristic hospitality towards the village children. However, Brigitta herself sees only the ghosts of the past.
As Brigitta’s past catches up with her things turn darker and the reader is reminded of the suspicion and recriminations that can linger after conflict and the physical and mental scars caused by war. Finally, the secret that has brought Brigitta to Summerland is revealed, offering the prospect of a different, and perhaps unexpected, future for her and others.
Although aimed at young adults, Summerland is an engrossing, emotional and beautifully crafted story that will engage readers of all ages. I loved it.
August 30, 2019
I really enjoy reading historical fiction, in particularly fiction set during WWII. So this was book was everything I could’ve asked for and more and it is definitely up there in my all time favourite books! Yes the plot twist was slightly predictable due to very clever hints dropped throughout the story, but these clues could’ve easily been missed if I had not read the book in one sitting!!! Despite being slightly predictable in some capacity, this is a lovely story based upon a variety of true stories of war time, Jewish, refugee children and really makes you think about the suffering, loneliness and constant upheaval of their lives that these children, and adults, must have gone through just to survive!
August 10, 2022
A short read set post war Britain. A good twist near the end.
August 22, 2019
This book is a YA novel about Brigitta, a 15 year old Jewish orphan who has been brought to London by the Red Cross to be find a new life. She has only just stepped on UK soil when she breaks away from the Red Cross group and follows her dead mother's directions to a house called Summerland so that she can find out the connection between her parents and this British mansion. Once there, she gets sucked into village life and starts to wonder what she wants and who she really is. I thought some aspects of the story were quite far fetched but overall I really enjoyed it and couldn't wait to see what happened next and how it all ended. And it ended with a great twist which I did not see coming. There were also some great secondary characters that I wanted to know more about, I'm hoping the author might have a follow-on story up her sleeve!
September 8, 2019
I really dont know how I felt about this book - it took me 24 hours to read as it's a short read and easy to follow story, which I didn't want to put down. However, I figured our the big twist quite early on in the book, and the ending just seemed to rushed for my liking, but still an interesting read.
I did like the characters in the book, but wish they just had a little more information on some of them, as I feel this would of brought the book a little more alive in places and the only person you really got to know a lot about was Brigid herself.
I just again feel like something was lacking and the ending was very rushed, as the saying goes it needs a little more meat to its bones. However, saying that I still enjoyed the read.
I did like the characters in the book, but wish they just had a little more information on some of them, as I feel this would of brought the book a little more alive in places and the only person you really got to know a lot about was Brigid herself.
I just again feel like something was lacking and the ending was very rushed, as the saying goes it needs a little more meat to its bones. However, saying that I still enjoyed the read.
September 20, 2021
While I quite enjoyed this novel, it did leave me feeling underwhelmed. All the way through the reader knows that Brigitta has secrets but, I must admit, I did not see the twist at all. However, I don't think it added to the overall story. I liked Brigitta and there were some strong, secondary characters to support her, especially Mrs Rover who befriends Brigitta when she arrives at Summerland.
Overall, Summerland was okay but I felt that the ending let the rest of the novel down. It finished too quickly and left me unsatisfied.
Overall, Summerland was okay but I felt that the ending let the rest of the novel down. It finished too quickly and left me unsatisfied.
September 2, 2019
This is a young adult book by Lucy Adlington, the author of The Red Ribbon, but it's a very readable book and you soon forget that it is a young adult read. Its 1946 and the Red Cross has taken a lot of refugees from the concentration camps in Austria and bought them over to England. One of these refugees is a fifteen year old Jewish girl called Brigitta, her only possessions are a very old small suitcase with a single grey glove inside and a small knife (which she keeps hidden in her pocket). She has been told by her her mother to go to Summerland Hall and after an adventurous journey she reaches it, but it is not as she thought it would be. It had been used during the war by the RAF and Lady Summer is none too happy with the state her home has been left in. Her son Joe is home after suffering greatly and keeps himself hidden away, almost as if he is a ghost, just like the ghosts of all the dead airmen who hang around every corner as if they are waiting for their next mission.
Each chapter of the book has a heading of a different type of food which relates to that chapter, from Christmas pudding at Christmas time to porridge with jam, as that had a connection with her first encounter with the village policeman, I think this gives it a nice touch and a reminder that ordinary food was precious at that time. Brigitta describes things around the Hall and the village in great detail, which are sometimes funny when she doesn't understand the description and nicknames of English customs and sometimes sad when she remembers back to how things were with her mother whom she misses so much. As the story progresses the storyline begins to take on a new role and one that will make you maybe want to start reading this book all over again in case you have missed something. A very interesting book that will appeal to lots of people whether you are twelve years old or eighty years young. A five star read.
Each chapter of the book has a heading of a different type of food which relates to that chapter, from Christmas pudding at Christmas time to porridge with jam, as that had a connection with her first encounter with the village policeman, I think this gives it a nice touch and a reminder that ordinary food was precious at that time. Brigitta describes things around the Hall and the village in great detail, which are sometimes funny when she doesn't understand the description and nicknames of English customs and sometimes sad when she remembers back to how things were with her mother whom she misses so much. As the story progresses the storyline begins to take on a new role and one that will make you maybe want to start reading this book all over again in case you have missed something. A very interesting book that will appeal to lots of people whether you are twelve years old or eighty years young. A five star read.
September 3, 2019
A marvellously original story based on themes of identity and survival and loss. Lucy Adlington provokes new ideas and understanding of displaced people in Europe during and after the Second World War.
There are also strong threads of class differences, injustice and prejudice. These can be weighty but there are also lighter glimpses of youthful enjoyment of dance, music and food. Music and smell, in particular, bring back snippets of memory and link the confusing present to the dangerous and tragic past. And this is also a coming of age story so will appeal to young adults.
The story is fairly intricate for such a slender novel but it all works out as satisfactorily as possible in the end.
There are also strong threads of class differences, injustice and prejudice. These can be weighty but there are also lighter glimpses of youthful enjoyment of dance, music and food. Music and smell, in particular, bring back snippets of memory and link the confusing present to the dangerous and tragic past. And this is also a coming of age story so will appeal to young adults.
The story is fairly intricate for such a slender novel but it all works out as satisfactorily as possible in the end.
September 15, 2019
A short but very interesting book that follows fifteen year old Brigitta who's come over to England with the Red Cross. Brigitta is Austrian and Jewish, throughout the book we slowly discovered the horrors she had to endure during the war, such as hiding in a cramped wardrobe and under floorboards, surviving bombings and inspections.
Once Brigitta arrived in England we learn she has a secret mission to complete, to go to Summerland and then find the answers she deserves! I found this added mystery to be very intriguing. Brigitta's personality definitely shined through when she was talking about her family and the trials she'd been through.
At times the story felt a bit rushed, I lost the plot slightly between abandoning the Red Cross and arriving in Summerland as it all seemed to happen in just a sentence or two!
I adored the chapter titles, each chapter was named after a food item that was relative to the going-ons of that chapter. It was such a quirky but wonderful addition to the book.
There were some surprising twists towards the end of the novel that completely shocked me! I'm still a little unsure of some of the details in this novel but as the author is a historian I would expect that she has thoroughly researched the different aspects of this book.
Once Brigitta arrived in England we learn she has a secret mission to complete, to go to Summerland and then find the answers she deserves! I found this added mystery to be very intriguing. Brigitta's personality definitely shined through when she was talking about her family and the trials she'd been through.
At times the story felt a bit rushed, I lost the plot slightly between abandoning the Red Cross and arriving in Summerland as it all seemed to happen in just a sentence or two!
I adored the chapter titles, each chapter was named after a food item that was relative to the going-ons of that chapter. It was such a quirky but wonderful addition to the book.
There were some surprising twists towards the end of the novel that completely shocked me! I'm still a little unsure of some of the details in this novel but as the author is a historian I would expect that she has thoroughly researched the different aspects of this book.
June 24, 2020
This book was a welcome surprise and a marvelous two days of reading!
The story catches the reader from the very start, has a wonderful rhythm and characters that are unforgettable.
The end is completely unexpected, and because some of the characters encountered are of a different book by the Author, one gets really curious about that other book! I believe I will try to find it.
I really LOVED this book, the most moving I read in some time.
Kudos to the Author!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 24 June 2020 (St. John the Baptist).
The story catches the reader from the very start, has a wonderful rhythm and characters that are unforgettable.
The end is completely unexpected, and because some of the characters encountered are of a different book by the Author, one gets really curious about that other book! I believe I will try to find it.
I really LOVED this book, the most moving I read in some time.
Kudos to the Author!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 24 June 2020 (St. John the Baptist).
October 10, 2019
The story was interesting but not very original, the plot twists was too obvious for me.
I really liked the structure though, every chapter had the name of a food the character was tasting according to their experience.
I really liked the structure though, every chapter had the name of a food the character was tasting according to their experience.
August 14, 2025
Lucy Adlington is like a good DJ - how they can switch smoothly from one song to another. She does that with words!! It’s amazing…
…however the plot twist was madly insane, like i was shooketh😭
although this book did touch on very key concepts/ideas which helped me see the world (both past and present) with a whole new perspective!
…however the plot twist was madly insane, like i was shooketh😭
although this book did touch on very key concepts/ideas which helped me see the world (both past and present) with a whole new perspective!
June 16, 2020
2 livro que leio da autora. Inicialmente e apesar de ser inspirado em acontecimentos reais estava um bocado desiludida por achar muito fantasioso ( a visibilidade de fantasmas) mas a 100 pags do final houve uma mudança brutal, com um final espectacular que me fez alterar a minha classificação de 3,5* que pensava dar para as 5*.
Uma história de amor e preconceitos no final da II Guerra Mundial
Uma história de amor e preconceitos no final da II Guerra Mundial
August 22, 2019
After The Red Ribbon (one of my all time favourites books), I’ve been so looking forward to Lucy’s next piece of work. And this didn’t disappoint, I adore the way clothes are a character in themselves, I adore the way she looks at identity and what makes us ‘us’ (who we are vs what we show), I adore the charm and magic and beauty and all round warmth Lucy can write onto a page and I adore the people she creates. If you’ve read the RR, certain moments will feel particularly special (and I urge you to read it), but even by itself, this book is beautiful ❤️
Thank you readersfirst for the chance to read this :)
Thank you readersfirst for the chance to read this :)
August 20, 2019
Summerland follows fifteen year old Brigitta as she arrives in England as a Jewish refugee after World War II. Upon arrival, she escapes her Red Cross escort and heads to Summerland House in Yorkshire, where she believes the answers to her family's past - and possibly future - may lie.
Brigitta was a fantastic lead who I rooted for from the very beginning. A child of war in hiding for years, she was at great pains to trust anyone. Over the course of the novel I could see her soften to the kindness of those around her and begin to regain some of what she may have been like before the war. There were also memorable side characters, namely Mrs Rover, who is so no nonsense and wholesome that she deserves an entire book to herself.
The majority of the book was paced and written well. I thought that the subtle magical realism present throughout was a lovely addition and never felt out of place.
The concept of the twist towards the end was good but I thought that it was executed poorly. The author brought many important questions to the table but wrapped everything up too quickly, thus making the ending feel weak compared to the rest of the book. I would have loved another fifty to a hundred pages to further explore the complex issues that were touched upon.
Brigitta was a fantastic lead who I rooted for from the very beginning. A child of war in hiding for years, she was at great pains to trust anyone. Over the course of the novel I could see her soften to the kindness of those around her and begin to regain some of what she may have been like before the war. There were also memorable side characters, namely Mrs Rover, who is so no nonsense and wholesome that she deserves an entire book to herself.
The majority of the book was paced and written well. I thought that the subtle magical realism present throughout was a lovely addition and never felt out of place.
The concept of the twist towards the end was good but I thought that it was executed poorly. The author brought many important questions to the table but wrapped everything up too quickly, thus making the ending feel weak compared to the rest of the book. I would have loved another fifty to a hundred pages to further explore the complex issues that were touched upon.
August 16, 2019
'Summerland' was a book which was written in a style found similar in Michael Morpurgo's work, and I found its historical content to be well researched and accurate. The theme of a need for identity, found through a use of society's stereotypes and a person's passion for music, were prevalent but still understated. This allowed the book to hold a air of mystery, not just for the characters, but for the reader too. This is often rare.
Throughout the book, there were charming images which carefully played on our happiest childhood memories found through food, and the image of Mrs Rover crafted a grandmother-like figure, who was a kindred character in the reader's mind.
I savoured those moments in this story where Brigitta's piano playing was of the utmost importance, and found that the descriptions of these times were of perfection and great tastefulness. They markedly touch the reader.
Throughout the book, there were charming images which carefully played on our happiest childhood memories found through food, and the image of Mrs Rover crafted a grandmother-like figure, who was a kindred character in the reader's mind.
I savoured those moments in this story where Brigitta's piano playing was of the utmost importance, and found that the descriptions of these times were of perfection and great tastefulness. They markedly touch the reader.
August 17, 2019
October 1946, a group of child refugees are transported to England, and amongst them is Briggita, carrying all she holds dear in a cardboard suitcase, including one worn, grey glove, this is her reason, for what she is about to do, run, get to the place her mother called safe, the place is "Summerland".
When she arrives, Summerland isn't what she expected, but this is where she needs to be, even if it has it's own secrets.
Summerland is a beautiful novel, and an important one too, as this book shows we should look at people for who they are, that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover..
I can say hand on heart, this has to be the most enchanting book I have read so far this year, I really didn't want it to end.
When she arrives, Summerland isn't what she expected, but this is where she needs to be, even if it has it's own secrets.
Summerland is a beautiful novel, and an important one too, as this book shows we should look at people for who they are, that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover..
I can say hand on heart, this has to be the most enchanting book I have read so far this year, I really didn't want it to end.
August 13, 2019
Although I'm not a big fan of post wartime stories, this book had me gripped from the very beginning.
A little girl, Brigitta, orphan refugee, makes her way from Germany to England; her destination a little sleepy village called Summerland. Her mother told her she would be safe here, however Brigitta has ulterior motives, not only to stay safe but to kill Lady Summer. She lands on the door step of the big mansion and is soon taken under the wing by Sophie, the kitchen maid. Brigitta soon forgets her initial plans and is swept up in the daily life of the house. However as time goes on Brigitta finds it harder to keep her true identity a secret and with the war still a not so distant memory, can she achieve what she originally set out to do before it's too late!
Great read, fast paced with a surprising end!
A little girl, Brigitta, orphan refugee, makes her way from Germany to England; her destination a little sleepy village called Summerland. Her mother told her she would be safe here, however Brigitta has ulterior motives, not only to stay safe but to kill Lady Summer. She lands on the door step of the big mansion and is soon taken under the wing by Sophie, the kitchen maid. Brigitta soon forgets her initial plans and is swept up in the daily life of the house. However as time goes on Brigitta finds it harder to keep her true identity a secret and with the war still a not so distant memory, can she achieve what she originally set out to do before it's too late!
Great read, fast paced with a surprising end!
September 28, 2024
3.5 stars
I really want to give it 4 stars but the first 75% of the book was jarring for me. It absolutely became clear why that was in the last 25% of the book (and all is forgiven!) but it meant I didn't enjoy the whole book. I'm not sure that makes sense, but it does in my head. 🤔
Also, there is a lot of deus ex machina, so it reads like a much younger book than I think it should, given the age and experiences of the protagonists, as well as the subject matter. Again, slightly jarring.
Good overall read.
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Re-read 2024 and didn't find it as jarring! I didn't realise I'd read it until the story became just tooooo familiar, but I hadn't done the tags or the year level, so I kept going.
Still reads much younger than the protagonists actually are - Y9 Y10
CW: body horror, attempted murder, attempted suicide
I really want to give it 4 stars but the first 75% of the book was jarring for me. It absolutely became clear why that was in the last 25% of the book (and all is forgiven!) but it meant I didn't enjoy the whole book. I'm not sure that makes sense, but it does in my head. 🤔
Also, there is a lot of deus ex machina, so it reads like a much younger book than I think it should, given the age and experiences of the protagonists, as well as the subject matter. Again, slightly jarring.
Good overall read.
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Re-read 2024 and didn't find it as jarring! I didn't realise I'd read it until the story became just tooooo familiar, but I hadn't done the tags or the year level, so I kept going.
Still reads much younger than the protagonists actually are - Y9 Y10
CW: body horror, attempted murder, attempted suicide
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2025
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD I JUST REMEMBERED IT EXISTED BUT WHEN I READ IT LAST YEAR I WOULDN'T SHUT UP ABOUT IT, IT WAS SO GOOODDDDDD - HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
February 1, 2021
À Procura de Summerland é um livro escrito por Lucy Adlington e traduzido por Dina Antunes.
A primeira coisa que me despertou a atenção neste livro foi a capa, que considero belíssima e sabemos que “os olhos também comem”, apesar de nem sempre o conteúdo corresponder à expetativa inicial criada.
Depois, li a sinopse e pensei “Bom, prepara-te, Célia, espera-te mais um livro duro sobre a temática da II Guerra, e este mês já leste A Coragem de Cilka!”.
Quando comecei a ler, fiquei irremediavelmente presa à história. É o primeiro livro que leio que aborda o pós-guerra através da luz da esperança. E apesar dos fantasmas que povoam a vida da personagem principal, das lembranças dolorosas, dos segredos que guarda e que magoam, é uma personagem otimista, que quer esquecer tudo o que ficou para trás e viver, realmente viver tudo de que foi privada. Respira música, que sempre trauteou baixinho e tocou mentalmente.
Brigid é uma das muitas jovens judias órfãs, que não sabe do pai e perdeu a mãe em Auschwitz. Quando a guerra acaba, em 1946, parte para Inglaterra com o objetivo de encontrar Summerland, uma luxuosa casa de campo de que a mãe tanto lhe falara. Todo o espírito de vingança que pretende levar a cabo com uma faca que transporta, se vão desvanecendo e perdendo o sentido, à medida que se vai integrando em Summerland. A casa esplendorosa que esperava encontrar dera lugar a uma mansão decrépita, fria, mas, mesmo assim, muito melhor do que o guarda-vestidos onde a mãe a escondera dos nazis. Em Summerland procura encontrar respostas sobre a sua família.
Curioso vermos a outra parte desta guerra miserável. Joe é o filho da aparentemente arrogante dona da mansão, Lady Summer. Regressou da guerra mutilado, repleto de marcas da guerra e sem um braço.
Neste momento pensei “Queres ver que, depois disto tudo, vem um romance cor-de-rosa?”. Não, não veio um romance cor-de-rosa, mas sim um final surpreendente, que nos põe à prova e nos deixa surpreendidos.
Este é um livro de fácil leitura, penso que acessível a um público mais jovem, mas que pode ser lido em qualquer idade.
É cativante a forma como está escrito, os capítulos intitulados com o nome de comidas que são um marco de mudança na vida de Brigid.
A primeira coisa que me despertou a atenção neste livro foi a capa, que considero belíssima e sabemos que “os olhos também comem”, apesar de nem sempre o conteúdo corresponder à expetativa inicial criada.
Depois, li a sinopse e pensei “Bom, prepara-te, Célia, espera-te mais um livro duro sobre a temática da II Guerra, e este mês já leste A Coragem de Cilka!”.
Quando comecei a ler, fiquei irremediavelmente presa à história. É o primeiro livro que leio que aborda o pós-guerra através da luz da esperança. E apesar dos fantasmas que povoam a vida da personagem principal, das lembranças dolorosas, dos segredos que guarda e que magoam, é uma personagem otimista, que quer esquecer tudo o que ficou para trás e viver, realmente viver tudo de que foi privada. Respira música, que sempre trauteou baixinho e tocou mentalmente.
Brigid é uma das muitas jovens judias órfãs, que não sabe do pai e perdeu a mãe em Auschwitz. Quando a guerra acaba, em 1946, parte para Inglaterra com o objetivo de encontrar Summerland, uma luxuosa casa de campo de que a mãe tanto lhe falara. Todo o espírito de vingança que pretende levar a cabo com uma faca que transporta, se vão desvanecendo e perdendo o sentido, à medida que se vai integrando em Summerland. A casa esplendorosa que esperava encontrar dera lugar a uma mansão decrépita, fria, mas, mesmo assim, muito melhor do que o guarda-vestidos onde a mãe a escondera dos nazis. Em Summerland procura encontrar respostas sobre a sua família.
Curioso vermos a outra parte desta guerra miserável. Joe é o filho da aparentemente arrogante dona da mansão, Lady Summer. Regressou da guerra mutilado, repleto de marcas da guerra e sem um braço.
Neste momento pensei “Queres ver que, depois disto tudo, vem um romance cor-de-rosa?”. Não, não veio um romance cor-de-rosa, mas sim um final surpreendente, que nos põe à prova e nos deixa surpreendidos.
Este é um livro de fácil leitura, penso que acessível a um público mais jovem, mas que pode ser lido em qualquer idade.
É cativante a forma como está escrito, os capítulos intitulados com o nome de comidas que são um marco de mudança na vida de Brigid.
January 30, 2026
À Procura de Summerland, de Lucy Adlington, é um livro com uma narrativa envolvente e surpreendente, ambientado numa Inglaterra do pós-guerra ainda marcada pelas cicatrizes deixadas pelos bombardeamentos nazis. Trata-se de um país em reconstrução, tanto material como emocionalmente, num contexto de profundas transformações sociais e culturais.
É uma época em que se sente claramente a mudança de mentalidades, visível não só no quotidiano das pessoas, mas também no panorama musical, com a emergência do jazz e de bandas formadas por músicos negros, que contribuíram decisivamente para a renovação cultural e para o questionamento das estruturas sociais da Inglaterra da época.
A história centra-se em Brigid Egel, uma jovem que se desloca até Summerland movida por um forte desejo de vingança contra Lady Summer. Esta teria recusado apadrinhar a sua família, negando-lhes um visto que poderia tê-los colocado em segurança durante a guerra. Paralelamente, Brigid procura também respostas sobre o paradeiro do pai, que acredita tê-la abandonado e à sua mãe, à própria sorte.
No entanto, o destino reserva-lhe reviravoltas inesperadas. Brigid, acabamos por descobrir, não é exatamente quem julgávamos ser e, de forma inesperada, apaixona-se pelo jovem lorde Summer, Joe, a quem inicialmente toma por um fantasma que habita a antiga casa senhorial. Esta confusão inicial acrescenta um toque de mistério e romantismo à narrativa.
Acompanhada por personagens secundárias cativantes, como Sophie River, a cozinheira, e o guarda local, a história ganha profundidade e humanidade, enriquecendo o enredo com diferentes perspectivas e emoções. Todos estes elementos conduzem-nos a um desfecho surpreendente, que reforça os temas da identidade, da perda, do perdão e da esperança num futuro melhor.
Lucy Adlington constrói, assim, uma história sensível e bem ambientada, que alia romance, drama histórico e crítica social, tornando A Procura de Summerland uma leitura envolvente e memorável.
É uma época em que se sente claramente a mudança de mentalidades, visível não só no quotidiano das pessoas, mas também no panorama musical, com a emergência do jazz e de bandas formadas por músicos negros, que contribuíram decisivamente para a renovação cultural e para o questionamento das estruturas sociais da Inglaterra da época.
A história centra-se em Brigid Egel, uma jovem que se desloca até Summerland movida por um forte desejo de vingança contra Lady Summer. Esta teria recusado apadrinhar a sua família, negando-lhes um visto que poderia tê-los colocado em segurança durante a guerra. Paralelamente, Brigid procura também respostas sobre o paradeiro do pai, que acredita tê-la abandonado e à sua mãe, à própria sorte.
No entanto, o destino reserva-lhe reviravoltas inesperadas. Brigid, acabamos por descobrir, não é exatamente quem julgávamos ser e, de forma inesperada, apaixona-se pelo jovem lorde Summer, Joe, a quem inicialmente toma por um fantasma que habita a antiga casa senhorial. Esta confusão inicial acrescenta um toque de mistério e romantismo à narrativa.
Acompanhada por personagens secundárias cativantes, como Sophie River, a cozinheira, e o guarda local, a história ganha profundidade e humanidade, enriquecendo o enredo com diferentes perspectivas e emoções. Todos estes elementos conduzem-nos a um desfecho surpreendente, que reforça os temas da identidade, da perda, do perdão e da esperança num futuro melhor.
Lucy Adlington constrói, assim, uma história sensível e bem ambientada, que alia romance, drama histórico e crítica social, tornando A Procura de Summerland uma leitura envolvente e memorável.
January 27, 2021
A beautifully written book following a Jewish refugee on a Red Cross evacuation to England.
The story begins with the main character making a dash away from the Red Cross lady in London, heading to the countryside to find Summerland- a big country house that her mum stayed at when she was young - in the hope that their father will have done the same thing and they can reunite...
This book shows the confusion and deep rooted mistrust of others that children growing up with persecution would feel. After surviving the Jewish pogoms of Eastern Europe, the Nazi rule of Germany and the fall of the Reich in bombed out Berlin - all by being hidden under floor boards/in chicken coops/in wardrobes - children like this suffered with terrible PTSD and resettling in a foriegn country with total strangers must have been so daunting.
I loved the way this book wove the mystery of the main character. We know that they they have taken on the paperwork/ID/name of Brigitta in order to get on the Red Cross list to come to England. They have to hide anything and EVERYTHING about thier true self so they can to get to Summerland, and the stresses of living the lies in order to survive weigh hevily on "Brigitta's" shoulders.
As she settles at Summerland, with the help of one of the LOVELIEST house cooks, Brigitta learns to loosen up, let some people close and starts to process the past and begin to see a future. Meeting war wounded Joe Summer, the heir to the Summerland house, helps them both process thier demons and find a way to support each other, confronting thier war wounds - be those pysical or mental - and learn to love and trust each other.
I really loved this book. I need to read it again as some of the twists in the plot were so subtly laced in the text that I know I've missed some of the writers skill in setting them up.
So good, please read it now!
The story begins with the main character making a dash away from the Red Cross lady in London, heading to the countryside to find Summerland- a big country house that her mum stayed at when she was young - in the hope that their father will have done the same thing and they can reunite...
This book shows the confusion and deep rooted mistrust of others that children growing up with persecution would feel. After surviving the Jewish pogoms of Eastern Europe, the Nazi rule of Germany and the fall of the Reich in bombed out Berlin - all by being hidden under floor boards/in chicken coops/in wardrobes - children like this suffered with terrible PTSD and resettling in a foriegn country with total strangers must have been so daunting.
I loved the way this book wove the mystery of the main character. We know that they they have taken on the paperwork/ID/name of Brigitta in order to get on the Red Cross list to come to England. They have to hide anything and EVERYTHING about thier true self so they can to get to Summerland, and the stresses of living the lies in order to survive weigh hevily on "Brigitta's" shoulders.
As she settles at Summerland, with the help of one of the LOVELIEST house cooks, Brigitta learns to loosen up, let some people close and starts to process the past and begin to see a future. Meeting war wounded Joe Summer, the heir to the Summerland house, helps them both process thier demons and find a way to support each other, confronting thier war wounds - be those pysical or mental - and learn to love and trust each other.
I really loved this book. I need to read it again as some of the twists in the plot were so subtly laced in the text that I know I've missed some of the writers skill in setting them up.
So good, please read it now!
October 3, 2019
I knew I'd love it!
Summerland is a beautiful post-war time survival and love story. Lucy Arlington writes evocatively, and with a natural charm. Summerland is more than it first appears: I was reminded of scandals and the humour of Downton Abbey. Adlington writes with a similar, subtle, humour: she vividly describes England as seen through the eyes of a young Austrian teenager. The queerness of our language, our phrases and mannerisms.
But, by far, what is particularly special about this book is that it's not only gripping. (After page 60, I was swept away! And if you saw that final plot twist coming*, you're lying!) But it is also incredibly honest. Brigitta is like any other teenager, and her eventual friends are the same: ready to move on from the long shadows cast by the war. They're thinking about boys, school, growing up and embracing their youth. A story with unforgettable characters!
Ultimately this is not a miserable war story. It's achingly complex, Adlington delicately writes a narrative of hidden children forced to go extreme lengths in order to survive.
*
I received this book through the publishing company for review consideration. All opinions are honest and completely my own.
Summerland is a beautiful post-war time survival and love story. Lucy Arlington writes evocatively, and with a natural charm. Summerland is more than it first appears: I was reminded of scandals and the humour of Downton Abbey. Adlington writes with a similar, subtle, humour: she vividly describes England as seen through the eyes of a young Austrian teenager. The queerness of our language, our phrases and mannerisms.
But, by far, what is particularly special about this book is that it's not only gripping. (After page 60, I was swept away! And if you saw that final plot twist coming*, you're lying!) But it is also incredibly honest. Brigitta is like any other teenager, and her eventual friends are the same: ready to move on from the long shadows cast by the war. They're thinking about boys, school, growing up and embracing their youth. A story with unforgettable characters!
Ultimately this is not a miserable war story. It's achingly complex, Adlington delicately writes a narrative of hidden children forced to go extreme lengths in order to survive.
*
I received this book through the publishing company for review consideration. All opinions are honest and completely my own.
December 3, 2019
Speedy interesting read
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Readersfirst in exchange for an honest review.
This is a young adult book, post WWII, following one young refugee, Brigitta, in England. It was an easy read due to this, the horrors of wars are not shied away from and instead discussed with a simplicity and throw-awayness of a young person for whom this has simply become life as they know it. In a way this makes the recollections back to war time all the more horrific to read.
Brigitta is journeying to Summerland Hall to settle a score with the lady of the house. Brigittas' troubles aren't entirely over, she encounters plenty of xenophobia along the way however she meets this with spirit and determination. On a lighter note, each chapter was named after a classic English pudding which featured within the book which was fun as the character encountered them.
The character has a lot of secrets which unfolded as the story does, there is a big one hinted at throughout which is revealed at the end and the other characters reactions to this is very moving, if somewhat unlikely in that era, but extremely refreshing.
The other characters act quite stereotypically (as people often can), however there is variety enough and the lady of houses' son and housekeeper were loveable enough that this can be overlooked.
A quick read that introduces an important protagonist with an interesting story to tell.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Readersfirst in exchange for an honest review.
This is a young adult book, post WWII, following one young refugee, Brigitta, in England. It was an easy read due to this, the horrors of wars are not shied away from and instead discussed with a simplicity and throw-awayness of a young person for whom this has simply become life as they know it. In a way this makes the recollections back to war time all the more horrific to read.
Brigitta is journeying to Summerland Hall to settle a score with the lady of the house. Brigittas' troubles aren't entirely over, she encounters plenty of xenophobia along the way however she meets this with spirit and determination. On a lighter note, each chapter was named after a classic English pudding which featured within the book which was fun as the character encountered them.
The character has a lot of secrets which unfolded as the story does, there is a big one hinted at throughout which is revealed at the end and the other characters reactions to this is very moving, if somewhat unlikely in that era, but extremely refreshing.
The other characters act quite stereotypically (as people often can), however there is variety enough and the lady of houses' son and housekeeper were loveable enough that this can be overlooked.
A quick read that introduces an important protagonist with an interesting story to tell.
August 16, 2019
I came to this book with a clear idea of what I thought it would be like. To begin with it appeared that it was going to meet my expectations. The book tells the story of Brigitta as she comes to England after having survived the horrors of WW2 Europe. She has a secret that she is determined to protect.
The book is well written and the characters are portrayed well. I enjoyed some of the quirks in the books such as the description of the ghosts she sees. The persecution of Jews during the war is dealt with but without going into detail (this maybe due to the fact that the book is YA).
I realised the twist shortly before it was revealed and felt it suited the story.
I had only a couple of problems with the story. The first being the apparent lack of rationing, although there was the odd reference to rationing I doubt many people would have gone shopping and had a slice of cake in 1946. My other reservation with the story was people's reaction to Brigitta's relationship with Joe, again I do not think it fitted with the time period. I think that Lucy Adlington wanted to tackle the themes of identity and love in a way which made sense to a modern reader but sadly this jarred a bit with the historical setting.
This aside I really enjoyed reading about Brigitta and her journey.
The book is well written and the characters are portrayed well. I enjoyed some of the quirks in the books such as the description of the ghosts she sees. The persecution of Jews during the war is dealt with but without going into detail (this maybe due to the fact that the book is YA).
I realised the twist shortly before it was revealed and felt it suited the story.
I had only a couple of problems with the story. The first being the apparent lack of rationing, although there was the odd reference to rationing I doubt many people would have gone shopping and had a slice of cake in 1946. My other reservation with the story was people's reaction to Brigitta's relationship with Joe, again I do not think it fitted with the time period. I think that Lucy Adlington wanted to tackle the themes of identity and love in a way which made sense to a modern reader but sadly this jarred a bit with the historical setting.
This aside I really enjoyed reading about Brigitta and her journey.
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