Summerwater

by Sarah Moss
Summerwater cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Contemporary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1091
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9781529035445
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2020-08-20
  • Formats: 19
  • Reviews: 4

Summerwater by Sarah Moss is a compelling narrative that unfolds over a single day in a Scottish cabin park during the summer solstice. The relentless rain sets a somber mood as twelve families on holiday observe the unusual behavior of a mother and daughter who seem out of place. The story delves into the dynamics of the group, highlighting their perceptions, prejudices, and the unraveling tensions that build as darkness falls. /n/n The novel is praised for its sharp, searching prose and its ability to capture the nuances of human behavior under pressure. Moss's writing is intense and powerful, drawing readers into a story that is both timely and timeless. The setting of the Scottish highlands adds a layer of atmospheric tension, making Summerwater a masterpiece of contemporary fiction.

Reviews
MotherBooker Blog · 2021-08-16
engaging 4.50

The book is a fast-paced and engaging read, with enough depth to keep readers involved throughout. The characters and their interactions are particularly well-drawn.

The reviewer enjoyed Summerwater for its fast-paced narrative and engaging characters. They found the book to be a wonderful and short reading experience that is easy to get through but still packed with enough depth to keep readers involved. The reviewer particularly appreciated the way the author presents a series of portraits of the characters, expertly drawing out their strengths, flaws, and frustrations. The interactions between the characters are also highlighted as a strong point, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Summerwater is a wonderful and short reading experience.

    It's fast-paced and easy to get through but there is more than enough going on to keep you involved.

    Her writing is precise, intuitive and relevant, presenting a series of portraits expertly drawn.

The New Yorker · 2021-03-15
insightful 4.25

The novel offers a deeper exploration of societal issues through the lens of a family romance. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to weave broader themes into a seemingly simple story.

The reviewer from The New Yorker found Summerwater to be a novel that goes beyond a simple holiday story. They appreciated how the author uses the setting of a family vacation to explore deeper themes and issues. The reviewer noted that the story is offbeat yet knowingly zeitgeisty, with a focus on the characters' individual experiences that open up to a broader commentary on society. The reviewer also highlighted the author's skill in creating a narrative that is both intimate and universally resonant.

Quick quotes

    Her latest novel, 'Summerwater,' follows Britons on vacation, but snapshots of a family romance open onto a deeper story about a country's long-simmering tensions.

    Offbeat yet knowingly zeitgeisty, it tells the story of Silvie, a teenager who, at the behest of her difficult father, is forced to spend her summer holiday in a setting that becomes a microcosm of societal issues.

    The novel is a searing exploration of our capacity for both kinship and conflict, set against the backdrop of a particularly rainy day in the Scottish highlands.

The Guardian · 2020-08-26
tense 4.00

The book creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, highlighting the hidden tensions and secrets among the characters. The relentless rain adds to the overall sense of unease.

The reviewer found Summerwater to be a gripping and unsettling read. They appreciated how the author uses the setting of a rainy holiday by a loch to build tension and reveal the darker sides of the characters. The story's focus on the hidden aspects of human nature and the way people cope with their secrets is particularly noteworthy. The reviewer also noted that the narrative structure, which shifts between different characters' perspectives, effectively creates a sense of unease and suspense.

Quick quotes

    Everyone is hiding something and the rain won't stop in the Ghost Wall writer's nightmarish tale of a day spent holidaying by a loch.

    The tension and claustrophobic feeling steadily increases over the course of the story.

    The book is a dark holiday in the best possible way, with a sense of foreboding that lingers throughout.

Book Bound · 2020-05-23
authentic 4.75

The author's attention to detail and authenticity makes the story feel tangible and real. The novel is a masterclass in observational writing.

The reviewer at Book Bound highlights the authenticity of Sarah Moss's writing, noting that she captures the details of life with a remarkable precision. This attention to detail makes the story feel tangible and real, drawing the reader into the world of the characters. The reviewer praises the author's ability to observe and portray the nuances of human behavior, making Summerwater a masterclass in observational writing. The novel's strength lies in its ability to make the ordinary seem extraordinary, and the reviewer appreciates the depth and richness of the author's prose.

Quick quotes

    Authentic is the word I keep returning to time and again.

    Sarah Moss gets it! Her detail is all so real, tangible and so beautifully observed.

    At times, it feels like Moss is painting a picture with her words.

Appears in Lists