In this sweeping debut, Asha Bromfield takes readers to the heart of Jamaica, and into the soul of a girl coming to terms with her family, and herself, set against the backdrop of a hurricane.
Tilla has spent her entire life trying to make her father love her. But every six months, he leaves their family and returns to his true home: the island of Jamaica. When Tilla’s mother tells her she’ll be spending the summer on the island, Tilla dreads the idea of seeing him again, but longs to discover what life in Jamaica has always held for him. In an unexpected turn of events, Tilla is forced to face the storm that unravels in her own life as she learns about the dark secrets that lie beyond the veil of paradise – all in the midst of an impending hurricane.
Hurricane Summer is a powerful coming-of-age story that deals with colourism, classism, young love, the father-daughter dynamic–and what it means to discover your own voice in the centre of complete destruction.
Here’s what the team thought of our September Book Club pick!
Lareese’s Review
An emotional read that deals with death and the dangers of being a woman, Hurricane Summer certainly isn’t for the faint of heart, nor is it the feel-good read many of us gravitate towards at this time of year. Despite all its heaviness, the vivid writing and compelling themes make for a thought-provoking read. Though it took a while to hit its stride, I couldn’t help but want to know more about Tilla’s journey of self-discovery and the complex relationship with her father. A deeply affecting novel and a commendable debut, set to be a well-loved read for many. I’m excited to read more from this author!
Rating: 3.5/5
Would you recommend it? The perfect storm!
Danielle’s Review
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that made me cry as much as Hurrican Summer, which isn’t something I expected to feel when I read the blurb for the book. It really is quite a heartbreaking journey and I wouldn’t pick it up if you’re afraid to “feel” which, lucky for me, I am not. This is a perfect novel for young women packed full of so many things I think they’d find relatable, like seeking the approval of their father, sexual shame, loneliness and isolation. A fantastic debut from Asha Bromfield!
Rating: 3.5/5
Would you recommend it? If you’re ready to cry!
Charlotte’s Review
Despite its gorgeous cover, Hurricane Summer isn’t one to be mistaken for a light, fun read. Beautifully powerful, HS explores the devastating emotions that come with parental neglect and the desperation of pining for the attention of someone that should inherently love and care for you. Let’s just say I cried- a lot.
Addressing issues such as privilege, racism, sexism, love and attachment, it covers so much ground without feeling like issues have been shoehorned in for the sake of the story.
We love reading a debut novel here at Zoella and I have to say this is one of the strongest I’ve ever delved into! Asha has a beautiful way of pulling you into her character’s universe and keeping you transfixed there. Asha’s description of the book as one that “explores the sexual and spiritual wounding that can happen when a girl moves out of her teenage years and into her womanhood” perfectly summed up the most powerful yet difficult-to-read aspects of the book, and in this sense is perhaps one to avoid if you have experienced sexual trauma or are sensitive to these issues.
Hurricane Summer is poignant in all the right ways, and I truly couldn’t put it down!
Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend it? Yes!
Lily’s Review
BRB…crying
It took a bit before the story fell into place for me but once it did, I was all in. This book and story angle is an incredibly thought-provoking story and heart-jerking. As Tilla (our main character) has spent her entire life trying to gain the love of her father. However, he leaves their family every 6 months and returns to his true home, Jamaica.
Asha Bromfield takes us readers through to the heart of Jamaica, and into the soul of a girl coming to terms with her family and herself. To add even more, it is set against the backdrop of a hurricane!!
Rating: 3/5
Would you recommend: This book FEELS so much, as will you after this storyline!!
