It’s a story about a young man named Nick, and the summer he spent with a well-off family in London. It starts in 1983, a time when things were changing quickly. Nick is twenty years old, and he’s invited to live with the Feddens, a family with a father who is a politician, a mother who is very proper, and two children. Nick had really looked up to one of the children, Toby, when they were at university together. But the daughter, Catherine, doesn’t seem to think her family is as perfect as they seem. Nick is new to the world of important people and lots of money, and the story shows how his life changes because of the family and their lifestyle. It’s a time of excitement and growth, but also a time when things aren's always as they seem. I remember when I was young, I felt a little lost when I was around people who seemed to have it all figured out. Seeing Nick navigate this new world, full of privilege and unspoken rules, really reminded me of that feeling of being an outsider looking in.
The story follows Nick as he experiences the ups and downs of these exciting years. He gets involved in two very different romantic relationships. One is with a young man who is working a regular job, and the other is with a very wealthy man from Lebanon. These relationships show us a lot about Nick's own beliefs and what he values. He’s searching for something beautiful and meaningful in his life, and he’s willing to take risks to find it. The family he is living with is also chasing their own ideas of success and happiness. They want to be powerful and have a lot of money, and that desire shapes many of their choices. It's striking to see how people’s desires, whether they're for love or for status, can lead them down unexpected paths. I'm always drawn to stories that explore the complexities of human relationships, and this one is full of moments where you see the characters grappling with their own wants and needs. There's a raw honesty to the way the author portrays their struggles, and it makes you feel deeply connected to them.
The book is full of rich details about what life was like during that time, the way people dressed, the music they listened to, and the conversations they had. It's also very funny at times, with moments that will make you laugh out loud. But it's also a story about sadness and loss, and it doesn't shy away from difficult topics. It's a story about how people change, how families can be complicated, and how the pursuit of beauty can be both rewarding and dangerous. The author has a way of making you feel like you're right there with the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows alongside them. The way the story unfolds, with its twists and turns, keeps you engaged from beginning to end. It's a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it, prompting you to think about your own values and the choices you make in life.
It's a story about a young man, just starting out in the world, and the summer he spends with a family who seem to have it all. He's a bit lost, trying to find his place, and this family, with their money and their important connections, feels like a whole other world. I remember being a young adult and feeling that way myself, surrounded by people who seemed so sure of themselves, while I was still figuring things out. It’s that feeling of being an outsider, looking in, and wondering what it’s like to live a life that seems so polished and perfect. The story shows how this young man navigates that world, surrounded by privilege and unspoken rules. He's taken in by a family where the father is a politician and the mother is incredibly proper, and their children are a bit older than him. He had a connection with one of the children from their time at university, and that’s how he ended up living with them. But as he spends more time with them, he begins to see that things aren't always as they appear on the surface. The daughter, especially, seems to have a sense that her family isn’t quite the picture of perfection that they present to the world. He's exposed to a lifestyle that's completely new to him, and it changes him in ways he doesn't quite expect. It's a time of excitement, of new experiences, but it’s also a time when he’s forced to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and the people around him. It's about more than just a summer; it's about growing up and learning to see beyond the surface.
The story follows him as he explores his own desires and beliefs. He finds himself drawn to two very different people, each representing a different path in life. One relationship is with someone who has a more grounded, everyday existence, while the other is with someone from a world of wealth and privilege. Through these relationships, we see him wrestling with what truly matters to him, what he values, and what he’s willing to risk to find happiness. At the same time, the family he's living with is also chasing their own versions of success and fulfillment. They’re driven by a desire for power and wealth, and that ambition shapes their choices and influences their relationships. It's fascinating to observe how people's longings, whether they're for love, for status, or something else entirely, can lead them down unexpected routes and have surprising consequences. It’s a reminder that everyone is searching for something, and that the pursuit of happiness can be a complicated and sometimes messy journey. There's a certain honesty in the way the author shows their vulnerabilities and struggles, and it creates a deep connection between you and the characters.
The story is filled with details that bring the time period to life. You can almost feel the music, see the clothes, and hear the conversations. There are moments that make you laugh out loud, but also moments that are deeply sad and thought-provoking. It doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, and it explores themes of change, loss, and the complexities of family relationships. It’s a story about the search for beauty, and how that pursuit can be both rewarding and dangerous. The author has a way of making you feel like you're right there with the characters, sharing their experiences and emotions. The plot twists and turns keep you engaged from beginning to end. It’s a story that will linger in your mind long after you finish reading, prompting you to reflect on your own values and the choices you make in your own life.
Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
This is a story about a young man's summer with a wealthy family, and it’s a gentle exploration of a time of change. It’s easy to feel lost when you’re young, and seeing him navigate a world of privilege and unspoken rules is quite relatable. The story is about more than just a summer; it’s about growing up and discovering who you are. The characters are searching for happiness, and it’s interesting to see how their desires lead them down unexpected paths. It’s filled with details that bring the time period to life, and there are moments that will make you laugh and moments that will make you think. It's a story about change, loss, and the complicated nature of families. It’s a story that stays with you, making you consider your own values and choices. I would give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.