Summerlong, Peter S. Beagle
I fell right in love with this book straight away, for the unconventional romance between Abe and Joanna. I loved that they didn’t seem to be possessive, that they didn’t live together 100% of the time, that they had differing interests. I loved the way Abe knew Joanna. I really wanted the story to be about the strength of their bond, unshaken because deep-rooted. I really did.
Spoiler: it’s not. It’s about the two of them being changed, deeply and irrevocably, by a man and a woman who might just be Hades and Persephone. (It’s not much of a mystery, really, given how quickly the clues are given. I mean, as the reader you work it out quickly because you know Beagle’s a fantasy writer; it wouldn’t be obvious to the characters, by any means.) And that change includes their separation, seemingly also irrevocable. And I hated it. I’ve read that story with the young pretty girl who turns an old guy’s head time and time again, and I didn’t want to read it again. I wanted to read about two people who wouldn’t let life shake them apart — even when life or even a goddess tries to come between them.
So it’s not really the book; it’s definitely a matter of preference. And the strength of my reaction to the bond between Abe and Joanna shows how beautifully Beagle can write and observe his characters. It’s all wonderfully written, I just wanted a different story.
I’m with you. I love seeing how strong the couple’s love that nothing could never shake them apart. So I see why this didn’t work for you. Thanks for sharing your awesome, honest review. ❤️
Thank you!
I’ve never read anything by this author, but he’s been recommended to me so many times. Would this be a good place to start, or is there a different book you’d recommend?
Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies recently posted…Shelf Control #98: Circling the Sun
Nope, I’d probably start with one of his older books since it’s probably more what people have in mind when recommending his work. I’m not a die-hard fan, though, I’ve started reading his work recently, so I’m the wrong person to ask.
I see in your above comment that you’ve recently started reading Beagle. I’ve also only read The Last Unicorn and just earlier this year I read In Calabria. I had added this one to my TBR because it’s easy to get excited by new works, but maybe I should read some more of his older stuff first.
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I don’t know… this one is really well written, I just really didn’t like one of the main themes!