Summer Sons
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
.png) First edition cover | |
| Author | Lee Mandelo |
|---|---|
| Audio read by | Will Damron |
| Cover artist | Christine Foltzer Sasha Vinogradova |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Southern Gothic |
| Publisher | Tordotcom |
Publication date | September 28, 2021 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover), e-book, audio |
| Pages | 384 |
| ISBN | 9781250790286 |
| 813/.6 | |
| LC Class | PS3613.A5354 S86 2021 |
Summer Sons is a 2021 Southern Gothic novel by Lee Mandelo.
Synopsis[edit]
The book's protagonist, Andrew, investigates the suicide of his friend Eddie just six months after Eddie left to begin a master's degree.
Themes[edit]
The book has been described as fitting into the Southern Gothic genre, as well as the dark academia aesthetic.[1] Jake Casella Brookins of the Chicago Review of Books noted that Andrew demonstrates hyper-awareness of bodies and car culture, and that the book deals with issues such as homophobia, rural poverty, and exploitation in academia.[2]
Publishing history[edit]
The cover was designed and created by Christine Foltzer and Sasha Vinogradova, and was revealed in January 2021.[3] The book was then published on September 28, 2021.
Reception[edit]
The book received generally good reviews, with commentators noting the atmosphere and queer themes in particular, but received some criticism for its pacing.[4][5] Sarah Campsall of The Nerd Daily described it as "a haunting, slow burn of a novel that explores grief, loss, denial, and a hunt for truth set against an atmospheric backdrop of the humid heat of the south," comparing it to Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Cycle.[6] Publishers Weekly described the book as "like Tennessee molasses—dense, dark, slow-moving, and with a distinct Southern flavor," stating that the book shines most in its love triangle.[7] Sadie Hartmann of Cemetery Dance found that "it’s powerful that Mandelo crushes queer stereotypes," but that "heading into the middle of the book, the story gets bogged down some."[8] Writing for Jezebel, Alix E. Harrow compared it to the Fast & Furious franchise, describing it as "hot, haunted boys with fast cars making bad choices."[9]
References[edit]
- ^ "Review: Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo". Grimdark Magazine. 4 September 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ "Cold Ghosts, Fast Cars, Hot Mess: Summer Sons". Chicago Review of Books. 30 September 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ "Revealing Summer Sons, the Southern Gothic Debut From Lee Mandelo". Tor.com. 28 January 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ "Night Worms Book Party: SUMMER SONS by Lee Mandelo". nightworms.com. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ "Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo". The Fantasy Inn. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ "Review: Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo". The Nerd Daily. 9 September 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ "Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Book Review: Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo. Tordotcom, $26.99 (384p) ISBN 978-1-250-79028-6". publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ "Review: Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo - Cemetery Dance Online". cemeterydance.com. 12 July 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ "8 Best Fantasy Books for Summer: Alix E. Harrow's Recommendations". jezebel.com. 16 August 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-11.