Description
Summerhill is a dog with a problem: he isn’t exactly sure who he is. Living alone in a desolate world as its only inhabitant, he has no memories of his previous life—only the tantalizing clue that the answers he seeks may lie with a mysterious woman named Katherine, the hostess on a cruise ship that sails between dimensions.
But Katherine has problems of her own, and if Summerhill wants her help in unlocking the secrets of his past, he’ll have to help Katherine deal with hers.
Together, the two will travel to different worlds, different times, and different universes in a journey where the possible and impossible can be tough to separate, and where the rules of reality can change as easily as weather.
Author: Kevin Frane
ISBN: 978-1-61450-144-2
Style: Literary Work
Content: Novel
Parental Rating: PG-13 – some violence, mild sexuality
Publication Date: January 2013
mserinquinn@gmail.com –
Summerhill is wondrous. Within twists it takes through time and space, there lies a story of self discovery, of purpose, and fate. There is love and friendship, loss and loneliness, and it at times defies explanation. You just have to read it.
The settings and characters created invoke a sense of wonder and fun even during the narratives most dire moments, and Summerhill, the poor, very confused, very curious, dog, is a character that I couldn’t help but root for. Those moments of hope are ones to cheer for, and the scenes where he faces the most peril are page turners.
There’s nothing more I can say except it’s a must read.
dragonmanmike@gmail.com (verified owner) –
Summerhill is a fantastic tale of what the Doctor from Doctor Who would call “wibly wobbly timey whimely” things. Its a fantastic journey from beginning to end that left me wanting a whole lot more when I was finished.
But not only is the plot fantastic but the character of Summerhill has such a wonderful naivete and innocence about him and seeing him grow and change as a character draws you in and makes it impossible to put this book down.
This is a must read and I will personally be reading it over and over again.
shirou14@hotmail.com (verified owner) –
This is an excellent character piece about a dog and his ability to travel through space and time, almost by accident. His journey is full of whimsy, creative landscapes, distinct and enjoyable characters, and twists and turns you just can’t see coming. You definitely see the titular Summerhill’s buoyant and bouncy personality combat with harsh realities (or… non realities in some cases) destructive consequences. Although it’s an amnesia story, it doesn’t follow the same tired tropes that have been so popular as of late, especially in video games. It’s a fresh twist on the idea that takes it in a very interesting direction. You feel for the character and you want to see him accomplish his goals. Although other than self discovery, it doesn’t feel like Summerhill actually accomplishes anything in the story, and there is much to be accomplished. Dark “peace keepers” with their own agendas, militaries with weapons beyond their years, there’s definitely some world changing goals Summerhill could have undertaken. Perhaps Kevin Frane is saving it for a potential sequel, which I will gladly buy as soon as its out!
I don’t feel my money was wasted, and in fact I almost want to pay more to read it again! I will definitely purchase the hard copy when I am able, if only to get it signed. Kevin Frane put a lot of work into this novel and it definitely shows!