Beyond Summerland
The liberation of the Channel Islands in 1945 ought to bring joy and relief to the inhabitants of Jersey. But to Jean Parris, awaiting news of her beloved father, who was deported by the Nazis for possession of a forbidden radio, it is a time of uncertainty and suspicion. Her Uncle Eddie returns from England, looking for reparation for his pillaged home and determined to unmask the informer who betrayed his brother. Suspicion falls on unconventional teacher Hazel Le Tourneur, who is struggling to take care of her invalid father. But as Jean digs deeper, she uncovers secrets about her family she never suspected, while Hazel finds that proving her innocence is all but impossible once the rumours about her gather momentum. Indeed, there’s only one person who could help – if she were willing to do it…
This is a powerful tale of suspicion, betrayal and unlikely friendship, set against the background of a little-known aspect of the aftermath of WWII. Virtually every character in the book is hiding at least one secret – including Jean herself – and Lecoat builds up a palpable sense of menace as Hazel becomes enmeshed by unsubstantiated rumours, with obvious parallels with the modern world and so-called ‘cancel culture’.
Jean matures believably from frightened teenager to fully-fledged, if damaged adult, for whom the slightly older but impulsive Hazel is a suitable foil. Their actions, both admirable and reprehensible, are always plausible given their contrasting characters and their personal circumstances.
There are some lyrical passages, evoking the beauty of Jersey, but otherwise the writing is rather intense with little light relief. Given that this is a short novel, this is not a major problem. Highly recommended.
