The Summer of Secrets

Jul 21, 2025 1:55 AM

Author:Sarah Jasmon

'A wonderfully atmospheric first novel' Claire Fuller

'An evocative and atmospheric coming-of-age story' Carys Bray

The summer the Dovers move in next door, sixteen-year-old Helen's lonely world is at once a more thrilling place. She is infatuated with the bohemian family, especially the petulant and charming daughter Victoria.

As the long, hot days stretch out in front of them, Helen and Victoria grow inseparable. But when a stranger appears, Helen begins to question whether the secretive Dover family are really what they seem.

It’s the kind of summer when anything seems possible . . .

Until something goes wrong.

A suspenseful, spell-binding coming-of-age story about how one simple action on a summer's day can echo through the years. Perfect for fans of Louise Doughty's Apple Tree Yard, Liane Moriarty's The Husband's Secret and Helen Dunmore's The Lie.

Reviews

An evocative and atmospheric coming-of-age story

—— Carys Bray, author of Richard and Judy Book Club pick A SONG FOR ISSY BRADLEY

A wonderfully atmospheric first novel

—— Claire Fuller, author of Desmond Elliot winning novel OUR ENDLESS NUMBERED DAYS

With beautiful, evocative prose, Sarah Jasmon captures perfectly all the heat and angst in one life-changing summer

—— Vanessa Lafaye, author of Richard and Judy Book Club pick SUMMERTIME

The vividness of memories shimmers dangerously and brightly throughout: it’s gripping, beautifully written and entirely evocative of time and place

—— Julia Crouch, author of CUCKOO

Lyrical and sensuous, this wonderful portrait of people, time and place stayed with me long after I had finished

—— Elizabeth Forbes, author of NEAREST THING TO CRAZY

A spellbinding debut novel

—— Bella Magazine

Portrayed beautifully, honestly

—— Historical Novel Review

It’s a sobering glimpse of the lives and loves of ordinary Parisians, and the best and worst of human nature

—— Catherine Small , UK Press Syndication

It is a triumphant tour de force, a powerful, cinematic, real-time account of a European nation in full, panicked flight from a merciless invader

—— Anne Garvey , Jewish Chronicle

A convincing portrait of human nature in the crucible of war

—— Good Book Guide

A beautifully written book

—— Sue Glynn , Nudge

This sweeping novel cements Nemirovsky’s place as a master storyteller

—— Craig Brown , Daily Mail

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