This book is the story of Michael an orphan from Germany, sent to America after the end of the second world war to start a new life, and live the american dream. During the summer his adoptive mother who is heavily pregnant sends him to Cape Cod to spend the holiday with the Kaplans. It is hoped that he will be a friend and playmate for Ritchie, but having lost his father in the war Ritchie is struggling too. Close by lives an elderly couple Edward and Josephine, both artists, the wife suffers fits of depression and loneliness and her husband fills his days with his art and the beach. The boys are drawn to the artists and enjoy spending time in their company. Separately both Edward and Michael become infatuated with Ritchie's sick but glamorous aunt Katherine. Later in the book when the Kaplan's host a party everyone's true colours are shown.
I am in two minds about this book on the one side, I found it didn't have enough story for me, it didn't grab my attention as it was very slow going. On the other side it is a fascinating study of people, different characters and classes of society written in such a beautiful and graceful way. The story goes between adult and child in a very simply flowing way. I think it is probably one of those books that some people would really love and others not.
I am in two minds about this book on the one side, I found it didn't have enough story for me, it didn't grab my attention as it was very slow going. On the other side it is a fascinating study of people, different characters and classes of society written in such a beautiful and graceful way. The story goes between adult and child in a very simply flowing way. I think it is probably one of those books that some people would really love and others not.