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!