A Journey Through Time: Review of The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram
What drew me into The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram was a blend of nostalgia and the allure of summer—a season ripe for self-discovery, romance, and life-altering choices. As someone who cherishes the carefree warmth and adventure of summer, I couldn’t resist the prospect of embarking on this emotionally rich narrative. Ingram’s ability to weave a story that spans decades while exploring themes of ambition and identity is both impressive and captivating.
Set against the backdrop of a picturesque estate, we follow Tess Murphy, a strong, determined young woman navigating life as the daughter of a hardworking single mother. When Tess secures a summer job as a cook for a wealthy family, she meets the matriarch, Madeline, whose nurturing presence becomes a beacon of support in Tess’s life. I found these moments particularly poignant. Madeline offers a blend of guidance and wisdom that instills a sense of purpose in Tess and reflects the power of female mentorship. Their relationship is beautifully crafted, allowing readers to witness Tess’s growth through Madeline’s encouragement.
Interwoven with this, Tess’s romance with Madeline’s son, Grant, unfolds like sweet, forbidden fruit. Their blossoming love is a delicious blend of youthful innocence and societal tension, especially as it clashes with the expectations of Grant’s affluent family. The social and economic boundaries they navigate not only heighten the stakes of their secret but provide a critical lens on class differences—a theme that echoes into the present timeline of 2021.
Ingram’s use of dual timelines is masterful. Switching between the pivotal summer of 1996 and the high-stakes political arena of 2021, where Tess, now a governor candidate, faces Grant, her former romance turned rival, adds layers of complexity to their characters. The alternating perspectives give readers access to their inner conflicts, making the stakes feel incredibly personal. I found myself desperate to know how their shared past would intertwine with their present ambitions.
Listening to the audiobook, narrated by Anna Caputo and Andrew Gibson, truly elevated my experience. Their performances infused life into the characters, enabling me to feel every flutter of romance and tension. The chemistry between the narrators mirrored Tess and Grant’s dynamic beautifully, enveloping me in their intertwined stories.
While The Summer We Ran is undoubtedly a compelling beach read—great for anyone who enjoys smart, romantic fiction—its significance goes beyond mere entertainment. It resonates with those who appreciate nuanced explorations of identity and growth amid life’s challenges. I would recommend this book particularly to fans of contemporary fiction who revel in narratives featuring strong female protagonists and a hint of political intrigue.
In reflecting on my own reading experience, I found myself immersed in the warmth of summer nostalgia while also considering the broader implications of our choices. This book serves as a wonderful reminder of how pivotal moments shape our paths and the importance of confronting our pasts as we carve out our futures. If you’re looking for a heartfelt story that both entertains and provokes thought, The Summer We Ran is the perfect choice for your next reading adventure.