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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fifteen years ago, Ann spent a summer at her family's second home in Cape Code. Only, what was supposed to be a fun-filled, memorable time for the young seventeen-year-old became a nightmare, and the aftermath ripped her family apart for years. Now, Ann's parents have died, so she sets out to sell that second home and split the proceeds with her sister, Poppy. Then, without warning, their brother Michael returns to stake a claim on the family estate, and to declare that he wants to keep the second home. Secrets, nightmares, and drama ensue as the family decides whether to tear itself apart, or mend the past, all because of a summer gone terribly wrong when they were barely more than kids.
I thought I might like this story going into it, only it became clear after some time that Ann has the moral fiber of Jafar (yes, Iago, that Jafar), and though she did suffer from a horrible traumatic experience, she took a lot of it out on her family, and particularly her brother Michael, and she's still trying to hurt him years later, despite him being generally good to her, and despite her being already terrible to him. Certain other things Ann did didn't make a whole lot of sense, and I found myself frustrated with her character. This story is certainly one built on poor communication, misguided lashing out, and trauma. If you're interested in a bit of a train wreck that tries to pick up the pieces years after it would have been sane to do so, then you might enjoy this. I find it difficult to get into a story when I dislike the protagonist, and The Second Home just couldn't get me to root for Ann.
Fifteen years ago, Ann spent a summer at her family's second home in Cape Code. Only, what was supposed to be a fun-filled, memorable time for the young seventeen-year-old became a nightmare, and the aftermath ripped her family apart for years. Now, Ann's parents have died, so she sets out to sell that second home and split the proceeds with her sister, Poppy. Then, without warning, their brother Michael returns to stake a claim on the family estate, and to declare that he wants to keep the second home. Secrets, nightmares, and drama ensue as the family decides whether to tear itself apart, or mend the past, all because of a summer gone terribly wrong when they were barely more than kids.
I thought I might like this story going into it, only it became clear after some time that Ann has the moral fiber of Jafar (yes, Iago, that Jafar), and though she did suffer from a horrible traumatic experience, she took a lot of it out on her family, and particularly her brother Michael, and she's still trying to hurt him years later, despite him being generally good to her, and despite her being already terrible to him. Certain other things Ann did didn't make a whole lot of sense, and I found myself frustrated with her character. This story is certainly one built on poor communication, misguided lashing out, and trauma. If you're interested in a bit of a train wreck that tries to pick up the pieces years after it would have been sane to do so, then you might enjoy this. I find it difficult to get into a story when I dislike the protagonist, and The Second Home just couldn't get me to root for Ann.
This was a tough book to read, partly because of the subject matter. It also took me until about a third of the way through for the story to "hook" me. Partly that was due to the structure. The story opens in the present from Ann's point of view. She is at the Cape House and it's clear her parents have passed away recently and she and her sister are working on selling this house and the one in Wisconsin. We are told early on that something happened years ago during one summer and the story mostly moves to the past as we follow the stories of Ann, Poppy (her sister) and Michael (their adoptive brother). It occasionally moves to the present but mostly spends time developing what happened that summer. As I said, it took me some time to become "hooked" but eventually I became invested in the characters. I went back and forth between thinking Ann was a total twit to wanting her to figure things out, but over all (without revealing spoilers), I had to remind myself that she (and Michael) were teenagers at the time, with their frontal lobes not being fully developed. In some ways, the story felt contrived to me because I didn't believe that people could be so easily manipulated by a complete jerk (I could use much stronger terminology), but I decided to let it go and I really liked the ending and what ended up happening to each of them. I also really liked many of the cast of supporting characters, including Maureen (Mo), Kit (Carol), Brad, Shelby, and Deedee. And the final reason I rounded up to a 4 is because I loved the setting and it made me want to be there and see this place!
As a debut novel, I thought this was a pretty solid start. As I mentioned, some of the plot elements felt a bit contrived, but overall, I thought it all tied together pretty well. I would definitely read another book by this author.
Thanks to #ChristinaClancy, #NetGalley, and #StMartinsPress for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a debut novel, I thought this was a pretty solid start. As I mentioned, some of the plot elements felt a bit contrived, but overall, I thought it all tied together pretty well. I would definitely read another book by this author.
Thanks to #ChristinaClancy, #NetGalley, and #StMartinsPress for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was delightfully un-put-down-able, and especially enjoyable for a reader like me who's loved Wellfleet since the 197os.
The Second Home by Christina Clancy is an interesting beach or cottage read, perfect to pass the time while social distancing. Ann, Poppy and Michael are teenage siblings who spent their summer holidays with their parents on Cape Cod at their Wellfleet summer home. The novel gives the perspective of each of them throughout. Something went horribly wrong one summer that caused the adolescents to disperse in all directions, never to return to Wellfleet. After the parents were killed in a car accident many years later, the adult siblings returned to the Cape to dispose of their second home. They had been haunted by what had happened there one summer and are uncertain about their relationships. Will they separate again? Or will they bond again as they had when they were younger? Will the past interfere with their future? Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm pretty sure I am meant to have a home on Cape Cod, the way I love reading about it.
My Kind of People, by Lisa Duffy, which I read and loved last month was set in on a fictitious island much like Cape Cod. The Second Home took me back to Cape Cod, and I loved it!
As a teen, Ann spends a traumatic summer in Cape Cod at her family’s vacation home. It causes a divide in her family between her and her siblings.
In the present, her parents have passed away, and fifteen years later, Ann and her sister need to decide what to do with the family’s Cape Cod home. The sisters decide to sell, but their brother reappears wants to keep the home. The siblings are forced together at this time, and they have to decide if they are still a family.
I’ve said it many times; I love a sibling story and a family saga. The characters here aren’t particularly likable, so know that going in if it’s important to you. Overall, I found it an engaging and thought-provoking story.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
As a teen, Ann spends a traumatic summer in Cape Cod at her family’s vacation home. It causes a divide in her family between her and her siblings.
In the present, her parents have passed away, and fifteen years later, Ann and her sister need to decide what to do with the family’s Cape Cod home. The sisters decide to sell, but their brother reappears wants to keep the home. The siblings are forced together at this time, and they have to decide if they are still a family.
I’ve said it many times; I love a sibling story and a family saga. The characters here aren’t particularly likable, so know that going in if it’s important to you. Overall, I found it an engaging and thought-provoking story.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Nice description, interesting characters, a strong family drama.
I received an ARC of The Second Home.
I have mixed feelings about this book, and if half stars were possible, this would get a 3.5. Much was beautifully written and, truth be told, I don't finish books that don't hold my interest so, from that standpoint - I would recommend it. The siblings were given enough (or more than enough) depth to have substance, but there were other key characters that were not fleshed out or were one dimensional stereotypes, and I think the story would have been better served by greater insight or a bit more backstory. Another 50-100 pages might have made the difference.
I have mixed feelings about this book, and if half stars were possible, this would get a 3.5. Much was beautifully written and, truth be told, I don't finish books that don't hold my interest so, from that standpoint - I would recommend it. The siblings were given enough (or more than enough) depth to have substance, but there were other key characters that were not fleshed out or were one dimensional stereotypes, and I think the story would have been better served by greater insight or a bit more backstory. Another 50-100 pages might have made the difference.
Being familiar with both Wisconsin and Cape Cod, I especially enjoyed this.
The Second Home tells the story of the Gordon Family from Wisconsin. Their summers were spent at the family home in Cape Cod. The home had been in the family for generations.
Parents Ed and Connie were ex hippies and teachers who provided a loving home for their daughters Ann and Poppy. They were so giving that they adopted Ann’s newly orphaned friend Michael who was in need of a family and a safe place to live.
The story begins in 2015. The Gordon parents are now deceased and single mother Ann returns to Cape Cod to sell the family’s beloved second home. Poppy had been flitting from beach to beach around the globe teaching yoga and Michael is out of the picture. No will is found but Ann wants to quickly sell the house seeking needed funds for her son’s education.
We are taken back to 1999 when the family’s initially idyllic summer in Cape Cod ends with a tragic event. They head back to Wisconsin. Soon Michael disappears leaving the Gordon family, never to be heard from again. Until 2015, when Michael re-emerges to block the sale of the Cape Cod home hoping to own it himself.
Told in different perspectives, this engaging book shows how secrets, the lack of trust and poor communication can damage a once great family unit. You’ll feel for each of them even when they are frustrating or being unreasonable. The children of Ann and Michael provide a needed bright light as they appear at times to have more good sense than their elders. Can happiness be achieved or is it too late?
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Edelweiss and Christina Clancy for an advance copy of this impressive debut novel. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Clancy does next.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Parents Ed and Connie were ex hippies and teachers who provided a loving home for their daughters Ann and Poppy. They were so giving that they adopted Ann’s newly orphaned friend Michael who was in need of a family and a safe place to live.
The story begins in 2015. The Gordon parents are now deceased and single mother Ann returns to Cape Cod to sell the family’s beloved second home. Poppy had been flitting from beach to beach around the globe teaching yoga and Michael is out of the picture. No will is found but Ann wants to quickly sell the house seeking needed funds for her son’s education.
We are taken back to 1999 when the family’s initially idyllic summer in Cape Cod ends with a tragic event. They head back to Wisconsin. Soon Michael disappears leaving the Gordon family, never to be heard from again. Until 2015, when Michael re-emerges to block the sale of the Cape Cod home hoping to own it himself.
Told in different perspectives, this engaging book shows how secrets, the lack of trust and poor communication can damage a once great family unit. You’ll feel for each of them even when they are frustrating or being unreasonable. The children of Ann and Michael provide a needed bright light as they appear at times to have more good sense than their elders. Can happiness be achieved or is it too late?
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Edelweiss and Christina Clancy for an advance copy of this impressive debut novel. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Clancy does next.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.