The first book in a series of three and a change of genre from Karen to Historical fiction. Karen’s usual brilliant writing style and meticulous research shone through . A massive cliff hanger at the end of the story made way for the second book. This was an enjoyable book but not my favourite. I am not a massive fan of historical fiction .It will be interesting to see where the series goes written by a master storyteller
Thank you to Netgalley, Pan MacMillan and Karen Swan for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

I’m a fan of Karen Swan’s novels, enjoying the flowing prose filled that allows the reader to lose themselves in the setting as well as the story and appreciate a real sense of place. In The Last Summer, the setting is St Kilda and the Scottish mainland in the 1930s. The tale is told through the eyes of Effie (Euphemia) Gillies, young and strong-willed who, when Lord Sholto, heir to the Earl of Dumfries visits, shows him around the isle as his guide, imparting her knowledge of the birds and nature. Admiring Effie, Lord Sholto finds her more than a source of information, and Effie, too, is smitten; they are drawn together until circumstances force them apart.

The Last Summer is the first of a trilogy and the setting is wonderfully created and draws the reader in quickly. It’s an exhilarating tale and I finished it in only a few hours. Well worth reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Pan Macmillan via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

4 stars

I didn't realise it was a trilogy and that there would be a bit of a cliff hangar at the end,

The story is interesting: the evacuation of St Kilda in the 1930s, how the people lived and how they adapted to the mainland. We learn more about Lord Sholto as the book goes on and Effie's innocent liking for him at the start. I can see there's lots of potential for twists and turns. At the beginning of the book there's isn't the scope for Karen's product name dropping but that sneaks in when Effie is living on the Earl's estate. I felt quite traumatised about Pippin so I'd warn dog lovers to be on their guard emotionally. Sid was a strange creature.

I think I might be hooked in to the series now...

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a brilliant book so well written and certainly had me wanting to read more I could not put this book down.

I have not read anything about St Kilda before so was interesting to read about their life which seemed so hard for them and how they survived all those years there.

Effie lives with her Father on St Kilda and we see how she copes with life on the island and the hardship her family have had over the years. Over the months we see what happens when they know they are getting leaving the island for good and where they end being settled. Eventually Effie ends up at Dumfries and starts to carve a life out for herself and Father.

The ending certainly left you in suspense of what was going to happen next. I look forward to reading the next book.

I would recommend this book and give a big thanks to the author for this interesting book.

Guys, this was a brilliant read. I mean, there were some scenes, especially those with the dogs, that were brutal and well, I could happily live without them and I'm assuming they were there to add to the dramatic, but on the other hand, not sure if they were necessary, and some of the descriptions were much too long, and some of the scenes dragged a bit, the beginning was also not the best opening in the books and I was worried, really worried I'm not going to like it and something happened with Karen Swan (I wasn't able to read her last release. Couldn't get through the beginning), but after the initial problems the story simply sucked me in and didn't want to release me.
It was perfectly researched, perfectly, you could feel as if you were at the island and all the other settings yourself, everything written with care and love to the detail. The author has also brilliantly captured the atmosphere of the times, the people and their characters and mentality - it all simply worked together in the best possible way. The characters are, as always, brilliantly drawn and with great personalities but, of course, the most outstanding one is Effie - so strong - willed and quirky, ahead of her times, wild tom boy that was actually forced to be like this through the death of her brother, having now to care for herself and her father. Larger than life, witty, sharp and clever, I loved her and kept everything crossed for her throughout her tiwsty and stormy journey from St Kilda to Earl's house.

I am thrilled it is only the first book in a series, especially as it ended on a high and I can't wait to read the next books. As Swan has admitted herself, she has wanted to try her hand at historical fiction for a long time and well, what can I say, she ahs succeeded in every little detail. The difference between the simple life on St Kilda and complicated and unfair life after the evacuation is brilliantly captured. There is love in this story, there is hate, revenge, friendship and family bonds and some mystery as well. A brilliant, intense and captivating read.

I'm a big fan of Karen Swan and read her novels as soon as they come out. This one did have a slightly different feel to it (in a good way) maybe it's because this story is part of a series so there is plenty of time for the story to unfold.

The story takes us to the remote island of St Kilda just before the residents are evacuated. Effie is an 18 year old woman who is strong willed and every bit as good a climber and worker as most of the men on the island. I really liked Effie and there is good character development with her. The second half of the book we follow Effie as she tries to settle into a new life on the mainland, which doesn't come easy for her.

For me this book had everything. History, adventure, mystery, romance and a little humour. The writing is immersive and I felt I was on St Kilda watching the puffins with the islanders. The only thing I didn't like was that dogs did die in this story. I understand it happened in history and was a necessary part of the story but I didn't like reading it.

It took me awhile to get into this book, I do enjoy Karen Swans books but not particularly of the period this book is set in. From a slower beginning, it then picked up, then I wanted it to go on... Probably more of a 3.5 for me, overall good read.

I look forward to Karen's new books being published. They are always a treat to read and this one is no exception. Different genre, being historical fiction, but still beautifully written.

THE LAST SUMMER
BY
KAREN SWAN

This book is a little different from what we usually expect from Karen Swan. The book is set on the Scottish island of St Kilda and the mainland of Scotland itself in the 1930’s.
Life on the island is harsh.
Effie is 18 and with her sick father to take care of, she is feisty, bright and determined. A match for any man on the island.
When all the islanders are evacuated to the mainland for a better life, Effie is offered a position working for the Earl Of Dumfries.
She is thrown into a world that is so opposite to what she has been used to on St Kilda.
There is a familiar face on the estate. Effie had briefly met Sholto - heir to the Dumfries estate, when she had been his guide on a previous visit to St Kilda.
Having once felt an attraction to eachother, things are now seemingly very different with them both on Shalto’s turf.
It seems the pair are worlds apart, and there are still secrets casting their shadows from St Kilda.

This book is part one of what will be a trilogy and also Karen Swan’s first venture into historical fiction.

This is a breathtaking story. From the harsh realities of life on St Kilda to the opulence of the Dumfries estate. Karen Swan’s expert writing style is captivating and immersive.

I’m very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
A fabulous five stars from me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Out now in HB, Ebook and Audio.
Paperback - April 2023

With thanks to Netgalley and Pan Mcmillan for a digital arc of this title.

Effie lives on the island of St Kilda with her dad, her mum passed away when she was younger and her older brother was killed in an accident so she is trying to take his place and prove herself to be as capable if not more so than the men and boys on the island and look after her dad who isn't able to do very much now.
Effie is perfectly content with her life until Lord Sholto heir to the Earl of Dumfries visits with his dad and she starts to fall in love with him but the others on the island try to warn her that it isn't the done thing
Set in the 1930's life was very different and very hard on the island compared to the mainland and ultimately the islanders decide that life would be easier on the mainland as the older generation can't do the work any more so evacuate together much to Effie's horror
There is so much more going in the book but I don't want to spoil it so will just say it is a definite must read and I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what happened next

An absolutely fascinating read. With a basis in history this really made me curious about St Kilda and the islands history. The story itself is mesmerising and the ending is what I call a belter of a cliff hanger. Cannot wait to read the next in the series. The story peels away the mystery around the last few days on the island and as a build up is tantalising. A great read.

Thank you Netgalley

Reading about St Kilda really brought the working days of of the islanders to life; their strength, struggles, hardship love of the land lack of knowledge about the outside world. I felt their disbelief when the long awaited dream of an easier life on the mainland materialised but only at the expense of comradeship and solidarity.
When Lord Sholto visits the island he falls for young wild Effie but due to a misunderstanding leaves the island without her. After the evacuation Effie is invited by Sholto’s father to live at the Hall and catalogue his collection of birds eggs. caught between being a servant and a friend, Effie struggles to find her position whilst Lord Sholto struggles where to place Effie in his life..
With a murder investigation in the background, this book kept me reading at every available moment. But…I really did not like the abrupt ending. I made up my own ending so I did not feel cheated! I understand now that this is going to be a series,, or at least a sequel. it will be interesting to see how close my imagined ending comes to the real one.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

A fabulous new historical story, the first as part of a trilogy.

Set in St Kilda, in 1930's where only 38 people live. Effie, is 18 and this story is told from her perspective.

The inhabitants gets visitors come over to see their way of living and one such visitor is the Earl and his son, who want to see the different types of birds that are there. Both Sholto, the Earls son and Effie get close, but she is living on the island and won’t leave and he is on the mainland, living in a big property.

Something happens and everyone has to go and live on the mainland where they both meet again….

I was not expecting the story to end how it did, but am looking forward to reading the next book.

I recommend this book.

In this new novel, Karen Swan is taking us to St Kilda in that last summer before the evacuation of the Island in 1930.
Effie Gillies has lived there all her life, working hard to support herself and her dad. Because her brother died and her father is getting older, she has to take on the chores they would have normally done and she becomes a very independent, wild and free spirited young woman. Shortly before the evacuation, she guides one of the visitors to the Island, the Earl of Dumfries, and her son Sholto for a birding tour. There is instant connection but they are from such different worlds. She is pursued by the unpleasant factor Matthieson and Sholto goes back to Scotland. The evacuation brings Effie and her father to Scotland and the employ of the Earl of Dumfries. Effie has one foot in the past and her eyes set on the future. Where will her new life take her?
This well researched story gives us a glimpse of the life on St Kilda in 1930. An island inhabited by 36 people who were still living in the old ways. Fetching eggs, birds and puffins to feed themselves, having very little material comfort and very isolated. The visit of tourists like the Earl of Dumfries gave the St Kildans an idea that they could have a better life and they decided to ask for their evacuation. But their new lives were not simple either. The story is full of really strong and interesting characters. St Kilda is beautifully depicted in its roughness and natural beauty, the contrast of the love St Kildans have for it and the wish they have to leave it because their life is so harsh there. The story also illustrates the strength they draw from their simple and mindful life.
I was totally absorbed in this novel and felt sad when the last page came a little abruptly. I was not ready for the end and I felt there were still so many questions left hanging. And then, I learned that this is the first novel of a series. I cannot wait now to read the next ones.
A very good novel and enjoyable read.

I’m so sad to say that I just really couldn’t get the feels for this one which is very unusual as I am a huge fan of Karen’s books and have enjoyed every one so far. There was nothing particularly bad about it as always it was set in a unique breathtaking setting which she always managed to make you feel your there I just couldn’t get swept away in the story like I have previously. I am however still a huge fan and will be picking up the next book that Karen writes with anticipation.

Not for me, and I'm surprised I'm saying that about a Karen Swan book. I normally love her books. I also normally enjoy historical fiction, but not this time. I found it bleak, so bleak. I know this is based on a true story, but there rarely seemed anything to lift the darkness. I didn't warm to Effie, nor Sholto, although towards the end he redeemed himself. One problem I had was I couldn't buy into the fact they fell in love in such a short space of time, having spent so little time together. I hated reading about what happened to the dogs, and in particular, Effie's dogs. Couldn't some facts have been left out? One thing I did enjoy was the description of the scenery. And I suppose that there was enough in the story to keep me reading until the end. But what a terrible ending. I felt cheated. I thought there'd been a mistake, that some text was missing. I was about to get in touch with the publishers, but from reading some other reviews, I think the ending is meant to be abrupt. I understand this is a series, but I think this ending cheats the reader. I really feel as though I've wasted my time by reading it. Books in other series I've read are normally standalone and have a satisfying ending, with the next book focussing on another character (as I believe this series will), with perhaps appearances from the characters, or updates at least, on the characters from the first book. I won't be reading any other books in this series. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I did not realise that this book was the start of a series so was a little frustrated by the ending - its is beautifully set up for more but left me with so many unanswered questions!

The book is set in the summer of 1930 when the last residents of St Kilda are evacuated to start a better life on the mainland. For Effie it is a bittersweet experience leaving a life she loves and all she has known. Before leaving she meets Lord Dumfries and his son, Sholto and her knowledge of the local bird life leads her to taking up a position as curator of his ornithological collection.

Here she sees Sholto in his real world and realises how far apart they are. Their attraction is further complicated by the death of the local factor and the suspicions of the police as to Effie’s involvement.

A fascinating insight into life on St Kilda and the impact of such isolation on its inhabitants.

A slight move away from Karen’s genre and for me it took a while to get into the book. Set in 1930’s the book follows Effie a teen brought up on the remote island of St Kilda. A story of first love and intriguing relationships. Thanks Karen and your publisher. Also thanks to NetGalley.

I expect nothing less than to be completely swept away when I read Karen Swan. And although this is her first foray into historical fiction she absolutely delivers and in my opinion is still the Queen of destination fiction. Not only does she transport you to the island of St Kilda in the Scottish Hebrides, in The Last Summer she also takes you to 1930 where we meet Effie along with a whole host of other characters (some much more likeable than others!)

Effie is strong, stubborn and a bit annoying yet you cannot help but root for her in this book. She's like a caged animal that just needs freedom to properly grow and come of age. All she's ever known is St Kilda's with its population of about 36 until the evacuation to the mainland. She discovers there's an entire world out there that she knew nothing about and this is where things really start to escalate in the plot.

I cannot wait to see more growth in Effie as we go through the subsequent books in the series. This one ended on an epic cliffhanger to the point that many of us in a readalong group thought we were missing the final pages!

Overall this felt completely different to Karen's previous books - much more character driven and slower paced, yet familiar with it's vivid imagery and strong female lead.

Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy of this book. I’ve been a long term fan of Karen Swan’s books, always enjoying the flowing prose filled with descriptive sentences that allow the readers to really immerse themselves in the setting as well as the story. Whether the setting is Spain, Rome, Norway or Canada, there is a real sense of place in her books. This time her setting is St Kilda and the Scottish mainland in the 1930s, at the time of the evacuation of the inhabitants of the island of St Kilda, whose meagre population struggles for survival in a centuries old manner, cut off from much of modern conveniences. It is told through the eyes of Effie Gillies, a wild tom boy type whose skill at all the men’s work required for their survival, including rope work along the cliffs, captures the attention of Lord Sholto when he visits with his father, the Earl of Dumfries, just before the evacuation. She becomes their guide, her knowledge and understanding of birds catching the earl’s attention and admiration. But it’s his son who finds her more than a source of information, and his attention becomes irresistible to Effie. The two are drawn together, ever closer, until circumstances forces them apart.

The novel is the first of a trilogy, something new for Swan, as well as taking on historical fiction for the whole of a novel, rather than just a parallel story, as she has done on occasion. But just as in her past novels, the setting is wonderfully created with such loving detail there is no doubt about the meticulous research that went into it. And the time period rings true, the accuracy seemingly spot on. As a writer of historical fiction, I can say that is no easy feat and one of the reasons I am drawn to her novels is her attention to these kind of details so seamlessly slipped in. This novel is no different. The Cinderella story is also told with heart and understanding of Effie and draws the reader in, though at a few points it presents a little more facile than usually found in her novels. Its place as the first of a trilogy may have led the decision on the ending, which for me I would have liked to be a little less abrupt. Still, it’s an exhilarating tale, one that captured me immediately and I finished in only a few sittings.