The Summer of ’69 is the story of the Levin family during the year 1969 – one of the most historic years in U.S. history. Interestingly, it is also the summer in which Hilderbrand and her twin brother were born. This is the author’s first historic novel and hopefully will not be her last.
The story is narrated from the point of view of several members of the family and takes place in the author’s home of Nantucket. For Jessie, the summer is the one she turns 13 and discovers love for the first time. For Kirby, it was a summer of independence, taking time away from the family to discover Martha’s Vineyard and all that community had to offer. The oldest sister Blair is pregnant with twins and questioning whether to stay in her marriage. Tiger, the only son, is drafted and sent to Vietnam. Kate, their mother, is riddled with anxiety over the safety of Tiger and carries a secret which she must disclose.
I loved The Summer of ‘69. I remember 1969 and the significance of this time in history. Hilderbrand approaches this book with the historical significance it deserves.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
Other Books I’ve Review by Elin Hilderbrand:
Reunion Beach: Stories Inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank by Elin Hilderbrand and others - A Book Review - That Happy Reader
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