This novel is a slow, engrossing read. Iris Merchant is a 14 year-old girl living in Michigan during the 1970s. The book has cultural and historical references to make it believable, and it works, though it chooses not to dwell too deep into the matter.

She’s the middle child, with a slightly older sister, named Liz and a younger brother, Scott who dies just as the book opens. Much of the plot is about Iris’ processing of the matter since she feels responsible for it, due to the circumstances under which the event took place. The family largely tries to keep all things buried in until she pushes them to admit their feelings. However, though it’s not narrated in first person, we get a lot more about Iris’ life and views than the other characters. Because of this, there’s a level of intrigue and suspense even when it is, for most purposes and intents, a third person quasi omniscient narrator (and I’m coining this term because we’re not told everything that happens).

One of the things I liked, is that it relies a lot in showing and then, telling. For example: we can see how Liz’s reaction is based on blaming, though not entirely condemning Iris and still struggling with these feelings. In this sense, Liz is way more explicit than the other members of the family who, of course, fear damaging their daughter but also have an impending separation taking place. Because of things like this, the characters felt all too human, and this is refreshing in a world of Mary Sues and Gary Stus

I kept thinking to myself that I would like contemporary novels a lot more if they were like this, especially those directed at teens, even if they would have to tweak this one a bit to work for that audience. The plot is slow enough, and though the end it’s a bit rushed, the execution ranges from acceptable to remarkable. Swearing and sexual references are mild enough, and the use of language is generally very satisfying.

This one is for adults because there are a series of murders in the background, especially of kids who happen to babysit younger peers, and a paedophile who, for worse, seems to get away with it, though explicit rape scenes are not shown, we see him trying to trap Iris and effectively, we’re told that he got one of Iris’ friends pregnant, though it’s not clear what happens to the baby.

I also appreciated how Sheldon was a complementary father figure who could relate to Iris’ struggle and this implied some wisdom on Iris’ dad part, since this summer job was much more rewarding in terms of development for her. This was introduced slowly with no giveaways, and those are pleasant surprises. She did need someone like him, someone who would listen. So, even if he couldn't give that to her own daughter, he knew who would be able to do so..

Poor Iris is napping along the shore of the lake as her brother swims. She didn’t mean to fall asleep and when she wakes up she can’t find her brother in the lake or on the beach.
This is a sad tale of loss and a family dealing with grief in the 70s.

When Iris's younger brother Scott drowns in the lake by her house while she was supposed to be watching him, her whole family is shattered. Iris doesn't know what to do with herself and her guilt, her older sister Liz struggles to control her anger, and her parents try desperately to hold everything together while slowly pushing each other away. A year later, the following summer, nothing has changed except everything.

While heartbreaking, I loved this novel. The slow, meandering pace feels exactly like summer in a small lake town, and nothing in the story was embellished for drama, which was appreciated. Everything felt accurate and normal and I lost myself in the day to day truth of it all. Iris was also a great narrator, simultaneously struggling with her emotions and engaging in regular teenager life.

What I didn't necessarily enjoy as much was all of the loose narratives. There's the death of Scott, the Caretaker plot line, and the relationships Iris had with all the side characters (Rosemary, Karl, Michael, etc.) that all feel unfinished. I know that this was a true-to-life novel, and life often ends up that way, but I would have appreciated more closure related to a few of the present ideas.

I was also confused by the leading of the plot at times. There were a few instances where I would have loved to put ideas together myself, and come to my own conclusions, but Iris does that job for the reader in a quick and dismissive way throughout the novel that I found a bit off-putting.

All in all, this was a really enjoyable read and I can't wait to check out the final version when it releases this summer! Thanks Apprentice House Press for the ARC!

Very nice summer read. There were several spots in the book where it got a little wordy and repeating itself but overall I enjoyed the theme of the book.

Many books I’ve read discuss dealing with grief but this is the first one I’ve read from a young teenager’s point of view. The family dynamics were good and I really loved the character Sheldon. The end wrapped up a few story lines (Karl, Rosemary) fairly quickly and I would’ve liked to know how Liz and Michael played out in the end when Liz walked in but overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it for a beach read.

I fell into this book and never got back out until I finished it. This story takes place the year after Iris falls asleep on the beach while she’s supposed to be watching her younger brother. As that evening unfolds the police and search and rescue are called and when Scott’s body is found their family crumbles into a sea of silent grief and self blame. As summer returns, Iris tries to step out into the world a little at a time and finds herself working with a wise old man who is key in helping her try to forgive herself. There are side stores woven into the main one that add mystery and some drama as a child killer is on the loose. I would like to thank NetGalley for the chance to read this wonderful book and I will be looking for other titles by this author!

I wanted to read this book I have been going through grief myself. I found the book a bit encouraging.
I love the family. Reminded me a lot of my family. The characters seem very real to me.
I especially liked that it was set in the 1970s. That was my favorite era. I like that it was mixed in with the family story. Very glad I read this peaceful book. Thank you Netgalley