65 pages • 2 hours read
Summer of '69
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Book Brief
448
Novel • Fiction
Nantucket, Massachusetts • 1960s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand, the Foley-Levin family, particularly Kate Levin and her daughters Blair, Kirby, and Jessie, navigate personal challenges and evolving social landscapes during the spring and summer of 1969, as historical events like the Vietnam War and the moon landing unfold. The narrative highlights their journey of confronting the past and embracing an uncertain future on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The novel contains scenes depicting domestic violence, physical fights, abortion, drowning, alcohol misuse, and discussions of racial and ethnic prejudice.
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Contemplative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
168,095 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elin Hilderbrand's Summer of '69 captivates with its richly detailed setting and nostalgic charm, effectively weaving historical events with the personal struggles of a family. Readers appreciate the engaging, multifaceted characters, though some felt the pacing lagged in parts. Overall, it's a compelling summer read that balances historical context with family drama.
Who Should Read Summer of '69?
Readers who enjoy Elin Hilderbrand's Summer of '69 typically appreciate emotionally rich, character-driven family sagas set against vivid historical backdrops. Fans of The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams and The Island by Victoria Hislop will find a similar blend of nostalgia, drama, and evocative settings.
168,095 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Blair Foley Whalen
Blair Foley Whalen
The eldest child of Kate and Wilder Foley, Blair is a Wellesley graduate who strives to balance her aspirations of a career and family life amid tumultuous relationships.
Kirby Foley
Kirby Foley
A politically active junior at Simmons College and daughter of Kate, Kirby is involved in social activism and personal growth while finding her voice.
Richard “Tiger” Foley
Richard “Tiger” Foley
Kate's only son, Tiger is a former high school athlete serving in the Vietnam War, who maintains close ties with his family through letters.
Jessica “Jessie” Levin
Jessica “Jessie” Levin
The youngest daughter of Kate, Jessie deals with early adolescence and the complexities of family dynamics during her summer vacation.
David Levin
David Levin
Kate's second husband, David is a supportive lawyer who navigates marital challenges while parenting Kate's children and their own daughter.
Exalta Nichols
Exalta Nichols
The traditional and status-conscious mother of Kate, who grapples with societal norms and personal relationships at her summer home on Nantucket.
The Crimminses
The Crimminses
Bill Crimmins is the longtime caretaker of the Nichols family home, while his daughter Lorraine has a complicated history with Kate and the Nichols family.
Pickford “Pick” Crimmins
Pickford “Pick” Crimmins
A 15-year-old with unknown paternity to the Foley-Levin family, Pick forms connections on Nantucket while dealing with his own family issues.
Angus and Joey Whalen
Angus and Joey Whalen
The brothers are both romantically linked to Blair, with Angus being her husband and Joey her former boyfriend.
Patty O’Callahan and Luke Winslow
Patty O’Callahan and Luke Winslow
Patty is Kirby's housemate in a boardinghouse, involved in a turbulent relationship with the wealthy and volatile Luke.
448
Novel • Fiction
Nantucket, Massachusetts • 1960s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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