Reading Corner | ‘Summer’s End’ satisfies as conclusion to Monroe’s Lowcountry trilogy

The beginning of summer this year will see the completion of Mary Alice Monroe’s Lowcountry Summer trilogy with “The Summer’s End.” The three Muir sisters already have experienced a few months of drastic changes and realizations, but the season isn’t finished with them yet.

The first two books of this trilogy focus on Carson, the middle sister, and Eudora, the eldest, respectively. This leaves the final book dedicated greatly to Harper, the youngest of the half-sisters. However, as with “The Summer Girls” and “The Summer Wind,” the viewpoint jumps from each sister and Mamaw, their grandmother, who is trying to unite them all.

As is expected from Monroe’s storytelling, the novel is filled to the brim with Lowcountry lifestyle and imagery as the four leading ladies learn and live. While major events happened in the two preceding books, “The Summer’s End” is still easy to follow, with reminiscing laying a basic foundation. That being said, the first two books of the trilogy aren’t to be missed. A basic foundation isn’t the same as a connection with all the characters and an understanding of the growth they have all made by this third book.

There is still more growing the characters have to do, and as the summer nears its end, they all deal with different types of desperation. When Harper meets a Marine Corps veteran, for example, her idea of returning to New York becomes less appealing by the day. Habits finally begin to change for all three sisters (and even Mamaw), while they still butt heads over past transgressions. But they continue maturing and become closer than ever.

Tragedy and triumph seizes the Sullivan’s Island house Sea Breeze on a regular occasion, and through these experiences, Monroe did an excellent job highlighting all the characters’ strengths and weaknesses. Family and the importance of all types of forgiveness aren’t the only themes this author is known for, but the conclusion to her trilogy showcases these with astounding clarity. There are no pulling punches for these realistic women and their families, which, of course, can cause bruises but without a doubt leaves everyone, maybe even the reader, stronger for it.

To describe Monroe’s books is like trying to describe the Lowcountry itself. There is warmth and beauty found on every page, and it is simple yet complex in its nature. Storms may rage in the night, but morning always follows.

“The Summer’s End” is a satisfying conclusion to Monroe’s trilogy, with an emphasis on love and Lowcountry. If there is one thing the reader should take from Monroe, it should be these three words that all the characters came to terms with at different times in different ways: Keep moving forward.

Emily Smith, For The Sun News

This story was originally published May 16, 2015 at 3:00 AM with the headline "Reading Corner | ‘Summer’s End’ satisfies as conclusion to Monroe’s Lowcountry trilogy."