That Summer [Paperback]

Andrew Greig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 9, 2001

It is late June and the summer of 1940 is about to become the myth that will define a generation. When Len Westbourne, an inexperienced fighter pilot falls in love with Stella Gardam, a radar operator with a far more worldly attitude, they are all too aware that their time may be short as the War becomes an epic struggle between the Luftwaffe and the RAF - The Battle of Britain. Told in intimate, alternate chapters from the perspectives of Len and Stella, That Summer matures into a breathtaking novel: a classic love story vividly evoking life during wartime.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The Battle of Britain may be rightly regarded as the most famous air conflict in history but Greig has made it something much more important for a generation now almost unimaginably removed: he has made it real... That Summer is an extraordinary achievement that deserves to have Greig, after several impressive novels, promoted to the ranks of the highest-regarded writers.' Anthea Lawson, The Times

About the Author

Andrew Greig is the author of six acclaimed books of poetry and two books chronicling his Himalayan expeditions. He is the author of three novels, Electric Brae, The Return of John Macnab and When They Lay Bare. He lives in Orkney.

Product Details

• Paperback: 271 pages
• Publisher: Faber & Faber (July 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0571204732
• ISBN-13: 978-0571204731
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #714,544 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just beautiful!, July 28, 2008

By 

Lance Mitchell (Hampshire, UK, Northern Hemisphere, Planet Earth) - See all my reviews

This review is from: That Summer (Paperback)

The immediacy of life during the Battle of Britain springs vividly from the pages of this beautifully narrated book. The main characters, Len and Stella, narrate their interactions, their feelings, as they live every minute as though it could be their last. And that is the reality of war.

Their most intimate thoughts are brilliantly brought to the reader so that you feel that you know their friends and acquaintances, especially Tad and Maddy, and you cannot help but care for them. They muse about their opposite numbers and this delicately bares the usually thorny subject of the futility of war and conflict.

Such a beautifully written story is bound to stir the emotions of any reader, and my memories of this book, both happy and sad, will remain with me for a long time.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone, and I urge you not to deprive yourself. You won't regret the moment that you open this book and start reading. I guarantee it!

5.0 out of 5 stars That Summer, November 5, 2003

By 

David L. Moore "DavMor" (Tucson,, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: That Summer (Paperback)

Summer 1940 and the Battle of Britain: Historians have described it as one of the turning points of western history. Andrew Greig has done an outstanding job of portraying the young men and women who served England during this trying time. His prose is vivid and the story he tells is memorable. I highly recommend this book to historians as well as to the casual reader! It will make a distant time come alive!