The Greengage Summer

The Greengage Summer by Rumer Godden is a poignant exploration of adolescence and the loss of innocence, set against the backdrop of a long, hot summer in France. Published by Pan Macmillan on May 18, 2017, this Main Market Edition spans 248 pages and is presented in English. The narrative follows five siblings who must navigate their newfound independence when their mother falls ill during a holiday at the elegant yet faded hotel, Les Oeillets. As they encounter the glamorous patronne, Mademoiselle Zizi, and her enigmatic lover, Eliot, the children are drawn into a world of complex emotions and relationships.

Readers will find a tense and evocative portrayal of love and deceit in the Champagne country of the Marne. The story centers on thirteen-year-old Cecil, who observes her beautiful sister, Joss, becoming entangled in a toxic affair. This edition also features an introduction by actress and novelist Jane Asher, adding depth to the reading experience. The Greengage Summer serves as a hauntingly beautiful coming-of-age story that captures the intricacies of family dynamics and the challenges of growing up.