One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
When Katy’s mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn’t just Katy’s mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: two weeks in Positano, the magical town Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy’s father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone.
But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother’s spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and, of course, delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life.
And then Carol appears—in the flesh, healthy, sun-tanned, and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how—all she can focus on is that she has somehow, impossibly, gotten her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her. She is not exactly who Katy imagined she might be, however, and soon Katy must reconcile the mother who knew everything with the young woman who does not yet have a clue.
Review:
I read Rebecca Serle’s “In Five Years” a couple of months ago and was surprised by how much I loved it. Several people told me that if I loved that book, I needed to check out “One Italian Summer,” so I bought it immediately. While I liked “In Five Years” more, I still really enjoyed this book!
The novel revolves around Katy, a woman in her thirties, who is shattered by the sudden loss of her mother, Carol. Carol was not just her mother but also her best friend and a constant presence in her life. The void left by her mother’s absence is immense, and it has left Katy questioning everything, including her marriage.
To add to her grief, Katy is faced with the prospect of going alone on a trip to Positano, Italy. Positano is where her mother spent a magical summer when she was thirty, which changed her life. She always dreamed of taking Katy there someday, and Katy had gone so far as to book a trip for the two of them so they could go away together once her mother was better – but now she’s gone, and Katy finds herself on a solo journey, grappling with her emotions and memories of her beloved mother.
As Katy embarks on her solo journey to the picturesque Amalfi Coast, she finds solace in the breathtaking scenery, the warm hospitality of the locals, and the delectable cuisine. In a twist of fate, a young and vibrant Carol appears before Katy, sparking a mix of joy and confusion. At first, Katy thinks she is imagining things, but the young woman she bumped into is definitely a younger version of her mother. This unexpected reunion becomes a turning point in Katy’s healing process.
During her two-week vacation, Katy gets to know Carol in a new light, not as her mother, but as a young woman with dreams, desires, and fears of her own. As Katy learns more about her mother’s past and the choices she made, she begins to see Carol differently, understanding that everyone has a story and a journey that shapes who they are. She also discovers things about her mother that she never knew and might have preferred never discovering.
Once again, Rebecca Serle has woven a beautiful narrative that tugs at the heartstrings and gives you all the feels. Her beautiful prose paints a vivid picture of the stunning Italian landscape, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Positano. The characters are richly drawn and relatable, each struggling with their own inner demons and longing for connection. This is a story of love, forgiveness, and the healing power of memories. It reminds us that even in the face of loss, there is still beauty to be found and connections to be cherished.
Just like with “In Five Years,” Serle has taken a basic story and infused it with just enough magical realism to pull off the plot but still makes the story accessible and engaging for readers who may not care for fantastical elements. It’s not so out there that you can’t buy into it, and I love that. I also loved the emotional journey that I went on alongside Katy. I gotta say, I was very upset with some of the choices Katy made along the way, but by the time I reached the end, I was totally on board and appreciated her journey as a character.
With its uplifting and engaging storyline, “One Italian Summer” is a must-read for anyone seeking a touching and inspirational tale of love and hope. Rebecca Serle has crafted a novel that will stay with readers long after turning the final page. If you’ve not read this author before, I highly suggest checking out her work. I, myself, can’t wait to read more by her.
