Looking for the perfect mysterious, hazy summer read? I present Midsummer by Maryann D’Agincourt.

Two couples travelling around Europe decide together share in a journey to Antibes. There, a mysterious and jarring incident changes the course of all of their lives.

This book really had me hooked from the early pages with its immersive literary style. While some may find the consistent attention to all the characters perspectives confusing, I found that it really developed a sense of claustrophobia for me which I thought developed the twisted and, at times, tense atmosphere of the novel.

To me this book was really reminiscent of traditional existentialist works, such as The Outsider, in terms of how it dealt with the concept of liminality and the abstract. I really enjoyed how the importance of place and location also played into the plot and how it allowed the reader to track the characters development and behaviour over the course of the novel. It also felt very reminiscent of early twentieth century works such as Ford Maddox Ford’s The Good Soldier but with a modern and exciting tone that felt original and fresh.

Definitely a book for library purchase. Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC.

"Midsummer" by Maryann D'Agincourt is a beautifully crafted novel that captures the essence of life's transitions with grace and emotional depth. The characters are richly drawn, and the narrative is both poignant and thought-provoking. A compelling read that lingers long after the last page is turned.

MIDSUMMER by Maryann D'Agincourt is my first experience with this powerful storyteller. I deeply enjoyed the characters she created -- didn't have a favorite, but was interested in what each one of them thought and felt -- which was delivered throughout the book in a quiet, third-person distant approach. While the hints of discord and nagging memories foretold the ultimate revelations, I was surprised in a good way with how each person reacted, feeling by then like they were people I knew. It's a quiet, slow read -- a perfect Midsummer night's story. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

SOOOOOOOO COZYYYYYY! Omg I just loved to read this book. The atmosphere is so cozy. So well written, the characters are so precious as well... 5 stars from me obviously!!!

This was a great read! It kept me turning pages until the very end. I recommend it to all fellow fiction readers!

What a darling book! There was just so much emotion in this one. I loved the main character and the storyline behind it. Well done!