11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
beautifully written story of a young woman's self-renaissance, November 30, 2011
This review is from: A Summer in Europe (Paperback)
A Summer in Europe", by Marilyn Brant, is a beautifully written story of a young woman's self-renaissance. As Gwendolyn Reese turns thirty and contemplates her life experiences, she considers the orderly manner in which she goes through each day to be her safety net. Her mother's sudden death at age forty had left Gwen shaken and in need of the pedestrian reliability of a structured existence. With her mother's passing, Gwen assumed the responsibility of caring for her father and two younger brothers. Later, she finds some sense of satisfaction in her teaching career, and her love of music is a source of pleasure. Expecting her boyfriend, Richard, to propose, she is taken aback when he postpones making the commitment. Gwen's lively Aunt Bea, sister of Gwen's late mother, offers her a chance of a lifetime--to join her and the members of her S&M Club for a summer-long tour of Europe. "S&M" stands for sudoku and mahjongg, and Aunt Bea and her friends are die-hard devotees of the games. At first, Gwen feels awkward and out-of-place, intimidated by the timeless culture of her surroundings and the intellect and sophistication of some of the fellow travelers she meets along the way. However, as time passes, Gwen begins to absorb the sights and sounds and tastes and textures of each place that they visit. The more she takes in, the lighter she begins to feel, shedding the repression of her inhibitions. Her attention is captured and held by two charming and intelligent brothers, Emerson and Thoreau, whose main goal in life seems to be one-upping each other at every opportunity. It is Emerson to whom she is most drawn, and when he makes it clear that he returns her interest, her emotions take an unexpected turn. Still involved with Richard, she is not free to begin a relationship with Emerson, but her heart speaks a different language. When Richard unexpectedly joins her near the end of her grand tour, she must face her real feelings about life and love. Will she learn to let go and take a leap of faith, or will she return to the known comfort of the cocoon of her orderly world? The author's great love of Europe and her extensive travels there are evident in her delightful, irresistible descriptions of the beauty and bountiful offerings to be found throughout the European continent. The subtle, insightful way with which Marilyn Brant has crafted Gwen's story will make you feel as if you are experiencing everything right beside Gwen. You will breathe the air, inhale the intoxicating aromas, and be enchanted by the art and music and flow of languages. You will taste all the fantastic flavors of gelato, savor the linguine with meat sauce and the variety of quiches, and feel lust in your heart for the fabulous pastries and artisan chocolates. Perhaps the Sachertorte will be your undoing. A layered chocolate cake is filled with apricot jam, coated in chocolate ganache, and then finished with a chocolate glaze. The flavors are then immeasurably enhanced by the giving and receiving of forkfuls of said cake between two people caught up in the spell of the love of a lifetime. Like me, you may never see your travel dreams come to fruition, but thanks to Marilyn Brant, you will always have the pleasure of "A Summer in Europe".
Review Copy Gratis Kensington Books
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Summer I'll Always Remember, November 29, 2011
This review is from: A Summer in Europe (Paperback)
I've never been to Europe in person, but thanks to Ms. Brant, I feel like I have. This book swept me away to wonderful places with beautiful writing that engaged all of my senses. The characters effortlessly brought me along on their journey with dynamic and well-crafted relationships that defy age and experience. I fell in love with them all - but most especially enjoyed the blossoming romance between Gwen and Emerson, the British physics professor who makes her sees things in a whole new way. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and will always think of this book as one of my favorites.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favorites!, December 1, 2011
This review is from: A Summer in Europe (Paperback)
I've thoroughly enjoyed all of Brant's books, but this is my favorite. I got to travel through Europe vicariously with Gwen, the main character, seeing the sights, eating the food, and interacting with her aunt and her aunt's S&M friends (Sudoku and Mah-jongg). They're colorful characters, and Gwen is the onlooker, taking everything in but not giving herself fully to life. The book is about Gwen's transformation, and part of this comes about because of a man who's the most colorful character in the book.
But what I loved most about the book is Brant's prose. Her first book was According to Jane, in which the main character has Jane Austen giving her advice. Perhaps Brant channeled a bit of Jane herself. Her prose is Austen-like - observing, witty and charming - making this a joy to read.
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