A Deep Dive into "The Edge of Summer"
When I first laid eyes on The Edge of Summer by Ami Polonsky, it was the captivating cover with that magnificent whale fluke that drew me in. As an animal lover and someone fascinated by marine life, I couldn’t resist the allure of a summer tale intertwined with whale conservation. I imagined lazy days at Cape Cod, the sun warming my skin, and the soft sound of waves in the background. But oh, how expectations can shift!
The story unfolds through the eyes of Coriander, affectionately known as Cor, as she grapples with the recent loss of her best friend, Ella, while working at a marine institute. The juxtaposition of beach days and whale rescue missions perfectly matches the book’s summer vibe. As Cor navigates her grief and a budding romance with local charmer Mannix, I felt both immersed and disconnected.
First, let’s rave about the whales! For anyone passionate about marine life, the detailed depiction of whale conservation efforts is a treasure. Polonsky’s heartfelt author’s note at the end resonated with me, showcasing her genuine enthusiasm for the topic. I adored every moment dedicated to these majestic creatures, and it’s a significant reason I would urge readers to pick up this book.
However, the journey was not without bumps. Cor herself was a tough character for me to warm up to. I found her self-absorbed and manipulative, which made it difficult to root for her. Her interactions mostly relied on magic answers from the universe, and she seemed blissfully ignorant of the havoc her decisions wreaked on those around her. This perspective was frustrating, magnified by the fact that I had to endure her thoughts in the first person.
And then there’s Mannix—a perfect boyfriend crafted straight out of a fantasy. He’s tall, handsome, and intelligent, but I wondered if he was a bit too perfect to serve any realistic purpose. We all know that not every love interest needs to be a paragon of virtue. While sweet moments between Cor and Mannix provide levity, they sometimes felt like a sugar rush without substance since the writing often skimmed the surface.
Moreover, the writing style felt shallow; weighty issues about grief and personal relationships were breezed over, lacking the depth they deserved. I yearned for more exploration of these complex topics. And let’s not ignore the repetitiveness that crept in, though thankfully, the audiobook—narrated by Kathryn Lynhurst—breathed life into the narrative, making it an enjoyable listening experience.
Content-wise, this is definitely a book for older YA readers. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as it contains mature themes and language that might not sit well with younger audiences.
While my lingering frustration with Cor held me back, the charm of Cape Cod and the whale-focused narrative was hard to resist; I can see how The Edge of Summer might resonate with older YA romance lovers seeking a light-hearted escape. If you’re someone who enjoys a breezy read set in a beautiful locale, coupled with advocacy for marine life, then maybe this book is worth the dive.
With all these thoughts swirling, I give it 2.5 stars but, buoyed by that delightful audiobook experience, I’m rounding up. Until next time, happy reading! 🌊📚
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