A review by mindfullibrarian
Heat Wave by Penelope Lively

5.0

I'm so sad that I can't remember who recommended this book, because I want to give them a massive thank you and shout about them from the rooftops. I know I must have read about it somewhere or heard about it on a podcast, but I searched my most likely sources and nope. There is no way a 1996 British novel would have ended up on my library holds list without a nudge from someone, but I'm so so grateful that it somehow landed there. I adored this quiet, atmospheric novel set in rural England during a dry hot summer. It's about motherhood and marriage and land, and it touched me so deeply. I could feel the coolness of the cottage and hear the combines in the fields outside and know so well the languid days that rural summer life induce. So while I don't know why I ended up with this book, I'm so grateful I did. If you're looking for a contemplative, literary, summery story, I couldn't recommend a more perfect fit.

Source: library hardcover