Reviewer: Annie
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Set against the desolate autumn beauty of Cape Cod, The Last September is a riveting emotional puzzle that takes readers inside the psyche of a woman facing the meaning of love and loyalty.
Brett has been in love with Charlie ever since he took her skiing on a lovely Colorado night fourteen years ago. And now, living in a seaside cottage on Cape Cod with their young daughter, it looks as if they have settled into the life they desired. However, Brett and Charlie’s marriage has been tenuous for quite some time. When Charlie’s unstable younger brother plans to move in with them, the tension simmering under the surface of their marriage boils over.
But what happened to Charlie next was unfathomable. Charlie was the golden boy so charismatic that he charmed everyone who crossed his path; who never shied away from a challenge; who saw life as one big adventure; who could always rescue his troubled brother, no matter how unpredictable the situation.
So who is to blame for the tragic turn of events? And why does Brett feel responsible?
Review:
Nina de Gramont writes with such a pleasurable touch. Her words flow beautifully, and make this book such a joy to read. I admire an author that uses words so movingly.
This is a truly suspenseful story that will have you on the edge of your seat. She writes of love, loyalty, family, devotion, mental illness, and murder. We watch her main character, Brett grow in to a woman from a teenager, and the transformation is rather engaging. She is a bit all over the place with her heart, but that is what makes this story so captivating.
We are introduced to a super close knit group of friends and family. Brett’s best friend is Eli Moss, whom she attends college with in Colorado. She meets Eli’s brother, Charlie, at one of Eli’s frat house parties…and, she is immediately in deep serious love with this man. This love (or infatuation) spans years. He is always at the epicenter of her heart. She gets engaged to Ladd Williams; who, ironically knows the Moss family from Cape Cod. A little too close for comfort? Maybe.
But, they are all living in the picturesque town of Cape Cod…right, in the throes of fall. The scene is set perfectly! I felt like I was right there.
Nina de Gramont begins this story in the middle….right where Charlie is found bludgeoned to death. The night before, Charlie tells Brett that he is letting Eli come stay with them, because his roommates kicked him out. Yet, Brett is concerned about the safety of their 15 month old daughter, so she leaves to spend the night at a friend’s house. With Charlie not answering the phone, she heads on over to their home…to find Eli pacing, and Charlie dead.
Brett states, Murder…”It’s nothing you ever think will have to do with you”. Then we go to the past to learn how they all met and then move forward to the present. This way of storytelling was very unique, and I enjoyed it.
One of the most paramount parts of this story is that Eli suffers from schizophrenia, which is diagnosed after he jumps off of a building at college. Brett was there to witness this event…thankfully, he survives the fall. And, this story is all about what transpires after this event.
Who killed Charlie? and, Why? I bet this book will keep you guessing!
The ending of the book, kind of missed the mark for me…but, it was still a pleasure to read.
4.5 Stars
