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The Last Summer Audiobook
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(3.05) - 325 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Clarissa is almost seventeen when the spell of her childhood is broken. It is 1914, the beginning of a blissful, golden summer—and the end of an era. Deyning Park is in its heyday, the large country house filled with the laughter and excitement of privileged youth preparing for a weekend party. When Clarissa meets Tom Cuthbert, home from university and staying with his mother, the housekeeper, she is dazzled. Tom is handsome and enigmatic; he is also an outsider. Ambitious, clever, his sights set on a career in law, Tom is an acute observer, and a man who knows what he wants. For now, that is Clarissa. As Tom and Clarissa's friendship deepens, the wider landscape of political life around them is changing, and another story unfolds: they are not the only people in love. Soon the world—and all that they know—is rocked by a war that changes their lives forever.
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"First loves, class divides, enforced separations, stolen moments, the horrors of war, wrong choices, consequences, heartbreak, tragedy, hope; a touching and absorbing story, albeit rather melodramatic and repetitive in places, set before, during and after WW1, where at times I wanted to shake some sense into the Clarissa and Tom, and at others needed the tissues to dry my eyes."
— Anna (4 out of 5 stars)
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A sumptuous, absorbing tale of love in time of war.
— Rachel Hore, author of A Place of Secrets -
“[Wymark] successfully delivers smooth, accurate renditions of numerous European accents. Special effects highlight phone conversations and the content of letters, while Wymark’s steady, haunting portrayal of Clarissa reflects the culture and mores of those left behind during the war.”
— AudioFile -
“The narration is excellent, with Jane Wymark transforming Clarissa from a naive girl of fifteen to a rushed maturity and then a postwar weariness.”
— Library Journal Audio Review -
“Irresistible…sensuous prose, elegant settings, and fascinating characters.”
— Margaret Wurtele, author of The Golden Hour -
“A dense and luscious read that is emotionally gripping and at times unsettling, but is a powerful tale of love, regret, and both the loss of Clarissa’s innocence and that of England’s.”
— HeroesAndHeartbreakers.com
The Last Summer Listener Reviews
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" This was a great read, easy to get through and hard to put down. If you love Downton Abbey and all the romantic drama, this is a must read. "
— Linda, 1/31/2014 -
" The main character in the story is completely devoid of any moral fiber. She has absolutely no rules or boundaries in her life. She is either "told" what to do by her mother, her husband or her lover. I did NOT like this book. Waste of time...I so hate that. "
— Ann, 1/8/2014 -
" Set in world war one it kept me turning the pages. The ending was totally unpredictable and quite sad for Clarissa. If you like stories set in this era with twists and turns I can highly recommend it. "
— Lin, 1/1/2014 -
" A beautiful novel about life and love spanning more than 15 years beginning in the last days before the outbreak of WWI. "
— Denise, 12/29/2013 -
" A great read: I am on tenterhooks for the sequel!!! "
— Max, 12/9/2013 -
" OH!! I LOVED THIS!!! It was lovely, sad, touching, romantic, it was all these things and more! For me, this was one of those books I like to get lost in and not come out of my room if I can help it. This earns a place among my favorites!!! "
— Maryann, 11/26/2013 -
" Gosh, I can't imagine what Tom and Clarrissa need to go thru in order to be together... "
— Daisy, 11/16/2013 -
" The word Lyrical kept popping into my head whil I was reading this. I was sad but wonderful. Loved it. "
— Lydia, 11/5/2013 -
" Not quite the "war time" story I was expecting but enjoyable enough, if a little slow and repetitive "
— Samantha, 10/8/2013 -
" Could NOT put it down!!! "
— Makita, 8/15/2013 -
" Somewhat entertaining. Tedious at times. Predictable. "
— Lynne, 5/13/2013 -
" I absolutely LOVE this book and couldn't put it down. My longing for them to be together kept me reading into the night. It really tests the strength of love and question whether there is such a thing as soul mates. "
— Katie, 4/2/2013 -
" Oh my.. This book took me away. I couldn't put it down. The worst thing about it was that it ended. I'm still pining for it. Highly recommended. "
— Cat, 2/16/2013
About Judith Kinghorn
Judith Kinghorn was born in Northumberland, educated in the Lake District, and is a graduate in English and history of art. She lives in England with her husband and two children.
About Jane Wymark
Jane Wymark is an English actress known for playing Morwenna Chynoweth Whitworth in the BBC’s Poldark and Joyce Barnaby in ITV’s Midsomer Murders. An experienced audiobook narrator as well, her recordings include The Girl on the Stairs by Louise Welsh and Whatever It Takes by Adele Parks.