Description
It's the first real summer since the devastating accident that killed Cedar's father and younger brother, Ben. But now Cedar and what's left of her family are returning to the town of Iron Creek for the summer.
They're just settling into their new house when a boy named Leo, dressed in costume, rides by on his bike. Intrigued, Cedar follows him to the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Soon, she not only has a new friend in Leo and a job working concessions at the festival, she finds herself surrounded by mystery.
The mystery of the tragic, too short life of the Hollywood actress who haunts the halls of Summerlost. And the mystery of the strange gifts that keep appearing for Cedar. Infused with emotion and rich with understanding, Summerlost is the touching new novel from Ally Condie, the international bestselling author of the Matched series that highlights the strength of family and personal resilience in the face of tragedy.
Review
Cedar Lee’s Mum has bought a summer house in her old town. This does not please Cedar Lee, or her little brother Miles, who are trying to cope one year on from losing their Dad and brother Ben in a horrific car accident.
We slowly learn what happened as Cedar Lee befriends the strangely dressed, bicycle riding, Leo Bishop. They both work at the Summerlost festival, the annual Iron Creek summer extravaganza and become intrigued by the local legend, Lisette Chamberlain, who died mysteriously at a return from a Hollywood performance 20 years earlier.
This is a touching middle grade story with strong themes of resilience, family and friendship, set in the wake of tragedy.
An engaging, warm novel for those 12 and older.
Reviewed by Rob
