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The View From Here

“Fans of J. Courtney Sullivan’s Maine (2011), Cristina Alger’s The Darlings (2012), and Jonathan Tropper’s This is Where I Leave You (2009) will relish the slow-simmering chaos and long-standing resentments of this reserved New England family. A warm-hearted yet clear-eyed look into what brings people together and what tears them apart, this makes a delightful case for shaking off childhood roles.” ― Booklist

From the illustrious author of Sailing Lessons and the widely praised Mystic Summer, which has been described as a “charming gem of a novel” by Elin Hilderbrand, comes a poignant and stirring narrative that explores the essence of family dynamics during a memorable summer in Connecticut.

This story delves into the complexities of sibling relationships and the bonds that tie them together, set against the backdrop of a picturesque lakeside setting that serves as both a refuge and a catalyst for change.

The Goodwin siblings—Perry, Jack, and Phoebe—grew up in a tight-knit family by the serene shores of a Connecticut lake. Perry, the eldest at forty-two, has always sought stability and structure, contrasting sharply with his younger brother Jack, who has consistently shunned conventionality. Their sister Phoebe, the youngest, finds herself navigating between their differing approaches to life.

As adults, their paths have diverged significantly; Perry is deeply entrenched in his career as a risk analyst in New York, while Phoebe is devoted to her college sweetheart and their children. Jack, the free spirit, has drifted through various jobs and locations, creating a distance from his family. However, the summer brings them together once more, culminating in a surprising revelation during their grandmother’s 97th birthday celebration.

Enter Olivia Cossette, a single mother and daughter of a French chef, who brings a fresh perspective to the Goodwin family’s traditional values. Unlike the Goodwins, Olivia’s upbringing is marked by a different cultural backdrop, and she faces her challenges as the mother of a non-verbal little girl. As the summer unfolds, the Goodwins grapple with the complexities of integrating Olivia and her daughter into their lives, while personal missteps begin to unravel the fabric of their family ties.

This summer of reckoning raises profound questions about the true meaning of family and whether a single pivotal moment can alter the course of their relationships forever. With Hannah McKinnon’s engaging and vibrant storytelling, this novel resonates with warmth and insight, making it a delightful read for those who appreciate heartfelt family sagas.

Hannah Mckinnon

Hannah McKinnon has penned some engaging novels, such as The Lake Season, Mystic Summer, The Summer House, Sailing Lessons, The View from Here, Message in the Sand, and The Darlings. Her academic journey took her through Connecticut College and the University of South Australia, where she honed her craft. Currently, she resides in Connecticut, where she enjoys a vibrant life with her family, a lively group of chickens, and two scruffy rescue dogs that add charm to her home.