Review of The 13th of Summer

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
User avatar
Kebun Bunga
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 351
Joined: 22 May 2023, 01:26
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 113
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kebun-bunga.html
Latest Review: Telling Your Story, Developing Your Brand by Henry Wong

Review of The 13th of Summer

Post by Kebun Bunga »

[Following is a volunteer review of "The 13th of Summer" by Charlene Pratt.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


"The 13th of Summer," a poignant historical fiction novel penned by Charlene Pratt, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the lives of its compelling characters. Set against the backdrop of the South Dakota prairie, the story unfolds through a series of chapters, each brimming with rich details and emotional depth.

In Chapter 1, we are introduced to the resilient Peterson family, etching their existence in the challenging prairie landscape. The narrative beautifully captures their spirit and determination as they face the harsh realities of life on the prairie.

As the story progresses, we witness the blossoming relationship between Lloyd and Betty, two of the Peterson children, in Chapter 12. The heartfelt moments and the depths of their emotions are exquisitely portrayed, providing a glimpse into the dreams and aspirations of these young characters.

In Chapter 16, the novel takes a dramatic turn when a ferocious blizzard traps Betty and her father, Alfred, at an old pump house. Their struggle for survival amidst the unforgiving elements keeps readers on the edge of their seats, demonstrating the author's mastery of tension and atmosphere.

The subsequent chapters continue to paint a vivid picture of life on the prairie, with Betty and Lloyd at the center of the narrative. Their dreams, hopes, and the challenges they face amid a changing world unfolds with grace and authenticity.

Chapter 23 brings an unexpected twist as Lloyd returns to his hometown, his motives unclear. The reunion between Lloyd and Thurber, an old friend, tugs at the heartstrings and highlights the enduring bond between people and the landscapes of their past.

A heartbreaking climax is presented in Chapter 25 as the narrative sputters towards its conclusion. The devastating conclusion, Lloyd's moving journey, and his escape all serve to highlight the breadth of human emotions and the complexity of the human spirit.

An emotional rollercoaster, "The 13th of Summer" addresses themes of family, love, resiliency, and the unbreakable bonds to one's heritage. Readers are drawn in by Charlene Pratt's poetic writing because of its colorful characters and detailed descriptions, which ultimately make an impact. Those who enjoy historical fiction that explores the core of the human experience may find this book appealing. While reading this book, I found no grammatical or typographical problems. I didn't notice any dislikes or negatives while reading, either. I rate this book 5 stars out of 5 because of this.

******
The 13th of Summer
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Sincerely,
Sondang :tiphat:
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”