Summer Sisters

by Judy Blume
Summer Sisters cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 6991
  • Added: 2025-12-08
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781405517478
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2012-09-27
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Judy Blume's 'Summer Sisters' is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of female friendship and the summers that define a lifetime. The story begins when 12-year-old Vix Leonard meets the dazzling and reckless Caitlin Somers, who invites her to spend holidays on Martha's Vineyard. There, Vix is welcomed into a world vastly different from her own, forging a bond with Caitlin that will shape her life in profound ways. The novel delves into the intricacies of growing up, the refuge of belonging, and the pact to never be ordinary. /n/n Years later, the bond between Vix and Caitlin is tested by life's circumstances, but the bruise of their friendship remains. When Caitlin begs Vix to return to the Vineyard for her wedding, Vix is drawn back to uncover the truth about a devastating summer that changed everything. The novel is praised for its insightful portrayal of women's thoughts and feelings, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate Blume's signature style.

Reviews
The Bookself Blog · 2022-10-13
engaging 4.50

The book is noted for its well-written characters and engaging storyline. The reviewer finds the tale to be captivating and well-crafted.

The reviewer is impressed by the depth of the characters and the way the story draws the reader in. They appreciate the author's ability to create a rich and engaging narrative that explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the complexities of adolescence. The reviewer also notes the emotional depth and the realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by the protagonist.

Quick quotes

    Summer Sisters is so much more better written with more dimensional characters and a fascinating tale that draws you in.

    The book is noted for its well-written characters and engaging storyline.

    The reviewer finds the tale to be captivating and well-crafted.

Cannonball Read · drmllz · 2022-07-29
insightful 4.00

The story is told through the perspective of Victoria, a shy and thoughtful girl growing up in a challenging family environment. The narrative explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the complexities of adolescence.

The reviewer appreciates the depth of Victoria's character and the way the story captures the essence of growing up. They highlight the author's ability to create a rich and engaging narrative that resonates with readers. The reviewer also notes the emotional depth and the realistic portrayal of family dynamics, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Summer Sisters is focalised via shy, thoughtful Victoria (Vix), a blue-c0llar brunette girl in a house crowded with siblings and parental resentment.

    The narrative explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the complexities of adolescence.

    The story captures the essence of growing up and the emotional depth of family dynamics.

Not So Modern Girl · 2018-08-03
heartfelt 3.50

The book is set in Santa Fe at the end of the 1970s and follows Vix Leonard, a girl dealing with a difficult family life. The story is praised for its heartfelt and character-driven narrative.

The reviewer finds the setting and time period of the book to be particularly engaging, providing a rich backdrop for the story. They appreciate the author's ability to create relatable characters and a compelling narrative that explores themes of family, friendship, and personal growth. The reviewer also notes the emotional depth and the realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by the protagonist.

Quick quotes

    'Summer Sisters' is about Vix Leonard, a girl living in Santa Fe at the end of the 1970s.

    Her family life is hard, with a disabled brother and stressed-out Mum.

    The story is praised for its heartfelt and character-driven narrative.

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