Release: May 4th, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: Netgalley
Find it at Goodreads, Kindle, Audible, B&N, TBD, Indiebound.
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In this sweeping debut, actress Asha Bromfield takes readers to the heart of Jamaica and into the soul of a girl coming to terms with her family and herself, set against the backdrop of a hurricane.
Tilla has spent her entire life trying to make her father love her. But every six months, he leaves their family and returns to his real home: the island of Jamaica.
When Tilla’s mother tells her she’ll be spending the summer on the island, Tilla dreads the idea of seeing him again but longs to discover what life in Jamaica has always held for him.
In an unexpected turn of events, Tilla is forced to face the storm that unravels in her own life as she learns about the dark secrets that lie beyond the veil of paradise—all in the midst of an impending hurricane.
Hurricane Summer is a powerful coming of age story that deals with colorism, classism, young love, the father-daughter dynamic—and what it means to discover your own voice in the center of destruction.
About the Author:
Asha Bromfield is an actress and writer of Afro-Jamaican descent. She is known for her role as Melody Jones, drummer of “Josie and the Pussycats” in CW’s Riverdale. She also stars as Zadie Wells in Netflix’s hit show, Locke and Key. Asha is a proud ambassador for the Dove Self-Esteem Project, and she is pursuing a degree in Communications. Also, she currently lives in Toronto, and her name translates to “Life” in Swahili. In her spare time, she loves studying astrology, wearing crystals, burning sage, baking vegan desserts, and taking walks to the park with her dogs Luka and Kyra. Hurricane Summer is her debut novel.
Hurricane Summer Review:
The author did a fantastic job in writing the tale. Some moments are so raw and gripping which are challenging to read. Yet, some moments burst with pure innocence that lightens your heart and gives you a fresh perspective. Moreover, it is never easy fitting into a new society, even if it is temporary. There will be people in life who will be jealous of who you are and try to bring you down to high their insecurities. The author writes the characters and their situations so personally that I found myself rooting for Tilla as she struggled to adapt.
Tilla is a strong character and probably one I will remember for a long time. She enters Jamaica with innocence but learns the struggles she would endure and how strong she would become. Similarly, Andre was another one of my favorites. I loved all the moments that Tilla shares with Andre. The way they support each other through the harsh times. Even simple moments where he asks her how many shoes she has or how she gets mesmerized by his artwork brought a smile to my face.
Furthermore, the author also touches on the harsh realities of racism for how people treat Andre. Yet, he remains healthy and doesn’t let it affect him. The author also touches on domestic abuse, and unfortunately, how common it could be in such places. I was not too fond of Diana and Herma and thought they made memorable villains. I don’t think I will ever forget the scene involving the cake and confrontation. Similarly, I also liked moments between Tilla and Hessan and wondered how their relationship would progress.
Overall, “Hurricane Summer” is a beautiful debut novel with a dynamic cast and storyline that will draw you immediately into its world.
