The Last Season [Hardcover]

Ronald Florence (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2000

The last season in Newport, Rhode Island is the summer of 1941, just before Pearl harbour. It is the end of an era of social glitter and privilege. Sera, a young Portuguese beauty from nearby Stonington, Connecticut, falls in love with Russell, a young naval lieutenant from a socially prominent Newport Family. Russell is stationed at the War College - the naval base near Newport where secret military scenarios are played out by future commanders. Sera is swept off her feet by the charming Russell, who thinks nothing of borrowing secret documents to raise the money his family won't give him. But Sera will not stand for that. Sophisticated thrills and romance energise THE LAST SEASON.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In the tradition of From Here to Eternity, Ronald Florence has constructed his story as carefully and lovingly and knowledgeably as the boats that Jake builds in the novel. Rich in the period and society detail of Newport, Rhode Island, the summer of 1941, it's all here: terrific romance and intriguing espionage, all against the thunderheads of the historical attack on Pearl Harbor."--Terence M. Green

"The Last Season is a well-seasoned visit to a crucial era, crowned by an engrossing story. I recommend it highly for real reading pleasure."--Gregory Benford

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Ronald Florence is the author of a number of works of fiction and non-fiction. His last book, The Perfect Machine, was on the Mount Palomar telescope in California. He lives and writes in Providence, Rhode Island. His last two novels are Zeppelin (Arbor House, 1982) and The Gypsy Man (Villard, 1985).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 348 pages
• Publisher: Forge; 1st edition (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312848730
• ISBN-13: 978-0312848736
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,630,037 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good drama, September 24, 2000

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Last Season (Hardcover)

In 1941, the war in Europe has captured the fascination of everyone in the Newport area whether they are part of the social elite, fishermen, or members of the Naval War College. The war has forged strange relationships. For instance, naval student and son of scions, Russell Westcott III noticed the beautiful young lady watching while he was winning a yacht race. He later learns her name is Sera and she is the daughter of a Portuguese fisherman living in Stoningham, Connecticut.

While Russell decides to make a play for Sera, her buddy Jake Werth wants her to see him as a lover not a friend. However, Jake knows he cannot compete with the charismatic, win at all costs Russell even as both attend the war college. Jake's role is to be a mole, trying to uncover who is giving away war gaming secrets. At the same time, a slickster wines and dines Russell into revealing those same secrets that he figures are nothing but silly adult games. As both Mike and Russell vie for Sera's affections, their adversarial roles will force a confrontation just as Pearl Harbor is around the corner.

THE LAST SEASON is a superb historical fiction work that brings Newport into clear focus just months before America enters World War II. The lead triangle is formed quite nicely in front of a vivid and descriptive backdrop. Although Jake's morality seems too perfect, readers will fully understand the motives of him, Russell and Sera. Ronald Florence provides a fabulous period piece that thrillingly turns THE LAST SEASON into a splendid novel that will leave genre fans seeking more works such as the authors' GYPSY MAN.

Harriet Klausne

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Page Turner, September 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Last Season (Hardcover)

This is a page-turner written with style. Initially, I was attracted by the period spy plot set in 1941 pre-war society Newport. However, equally engrossing are the portraits of racing boats (and the craftsmen who create them) and pre-war ethnic Connecticut village life. Normally a speed reader, I slowed down to savor the details. The picture of "society" reminded me of The Remains of the Day, except that Florence's boat races and chase scenes are more exciting.