Review of The 13th of Summer

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The 13th of Summer" by Charlene Pratt.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The 13th of Summer
Author: Charlene Pratt.

'The 13th of Summer' was a book that I found difficult to put down. It was not a thrilling adventure but an interesting narrative about small town life and how difficult it was for average families to survive during this time of hardship in the Great Depression of the 1930s. Although it described sadness and tragedy, it was optimistic in many ways. The unbearable heat, the dry, infertile soil and the permeating dust sets the tone at the beginning. In this barren environment, we follow the god-fearing, upstanding Peterson family, mainly through young Betty's eyes. They don't have much, yet they help others, such as the poor travellers at the beginning of the book, who are leaving to find work elsewhere. As we read about the children's lives as they grow up (Christian, Willow, Betty, Gretta, Albert and Daniel, and Lloyd, Betty's friend), there is tragedy, loss, grief, yet always hope.

The prose was easy to read, with a perfect balance of description and dialogue; I could almost see the tumbleweeds being blown around in the desolate landscape, drawing me into this world revolving around families in this small town in South Dakota. The Second World War brought both happiness and sadness. It was lovely to read how these people coped with all that befell them and how the community, united in their struggles, rallied around in times of need. It brought home to me how strong people must have been in those days and how character-building for the young people.

I enjoyed this book and found its length just right. The editing was excellent, and I found nothing to dislike or change. There are no graphic sexual scenarios, extreme profanity, or horrific violence; it would be a suitable read for all ages. Because of the reasons above, I will award it five out of 5-stars.

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The 13th of Summer
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