A review by darlareads
The Myth of Perpetual Summer by Susan Crandall

4.0

I LOVED Whistling Past the Graveyard and was overjoyed to find a new Susan Crandall novel. My enthusiasm was warranted. This latest novel gave me everything I love in a good read - strong, resilient, fiery female character, dysfunctional family and the South. Tallulah Mae James (can we talk about that fantastic name??) returns home to Mississippi when she sees her estranged brother's mug shot on television. Tallulah has spent years distancing herself from her family in an effort to become 'normal.'' Her childhood was far from 'normal.' The four Jones siblings were left to navigate childhood, mostly on their own. Their days were shadowed by their father's "shiny time' 'hurricane time' and 'blue streaks.' They struggled to understand a neglectful, distant mother who disappears for stretches of time and insists the children call her "Margo." They were blessed with their Grandma James as a constant but even she kept secrets about "things that must never be mentioned." The story is advanced through a back and forth narrative told from 11 year old Tallulah's perspective and present day. I found this to be very effective in moving the story forward and explaining the motivations of present day Tallulah. The author describes the setting and place beautifully. I was immediately transported - as I was in Whistling Past the Graveyard. Crandall tackles some tough subjects in this novel: racism, mental illness, PTSD. I especially appreciated the contrast of how childhood Tallulah and adult adult Tallulah viewed and understood these events in her life. I loved going on this journey with Tallulah and appreciated the author's handling of the sibling's stories. The ending isn't neat, tidy and happy ever after. It's complicated, sad, but hopeful - just like real life. Tallulah', not unlike myself, proves you can go home again....but the journey may be anything but smooth.