Summer People: A Novel

By Brian Groh

A tremendously appealing and mordantly funny novel for fans of Richard Russo and Curtis Sittenfeld, about friendship, compassion, and social privilege. 

Summer People tells the story of Nathan Empson, a young college dropout and aspiring graphic novelist who has just accepted the most unusual job of his life.

In exchange for serving as a summer "caretaker" for Ellen Broderick, the eccentric matriarch of Brightonfield Cove, Maine, Nathan will earn a generous salary and gain access to one of the last bastions of old New England wealth—an exclusive coastal community the likes of which he has never known.

It seems at first like easy money: accompanying Ellen to the immaculate Alnombak Golf and Tennis Club, or joining her for an evening of cocktails and conversation at a neighbor's mansion overlooking the anchored yachts of Albans Bay. But not everyone in the community is welcoming—or even civil—to someone they regard as an interloper. So Nathan finds solace in the companionship of a philosophical, ex-punk Episcopalian pastor, and the alluring nanny of the pastor's children, a feisty, dark-eyed beauty named Leah.

Nathan invites Leah for walks and late-night picnics on the beach, yet as his relationship with her deepens, he finds it difficult to ignore his employer's unexpectedly unnerving behavior. With each escalating mishap, a new aspect of Ellen's colorful past comes to light, exposing the secret lives of her old friends, flames, and enemies, as well as the story behind a scandalous incident Nathan must prevent her from repeating—however inept his efforts may be.

In this big-hearted, immensely satisfying debut novel, Nathan must contend with competitors for Leah's affection and with an increasing suspicion that Ellen needs more help than he can provide. But sounding the alarm over Ellen's condition would mean leaving her beachside home, his summer job, and the romance that may well change his life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Oct 6, 2009
• ISBN: 9780061983498

Brian Groh

Brian Groh grew up in Ohio and has lived in Great Britain, Costa Rica, and Maine. He has written for the New Republic, MTV, and National Geographic Traveler. Summer People is his first novel.

Reviews for Summer People

[pinkkrosie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dearest Ann,I miss you so much. I was hoping that when we (The Martins, Pillings, and Foxs) left Linley Bottom that we would forget about each other. I hope you haven't forgotten me, because I think about you all the time and I keep getting in trouble in my classes at school because I'm not paying attention. Oh Ann, I wish I could visit you, but I'm pretty sure after all the fuss me and Sylvia's parents made that we won't be going to Linley Bottom to vacation any time soon. I'm angry that my mother and father didn't think you were "suitable enough" for me. It makes me so frustrated because I should be able to choose who I want to be with, and that is YOU. Sylvia's parents were very disappointed with her when they found out that she was had been seeing the local fisherman Harold. My parents do not know that I am writting to you, but I don't care.Enough about me and my preoccupations, how have you been doing? I hope your strong as ever! The ocean's air must help loads on your health. Is your mother doing well also? I would hope so, she is so kind. If you didn't mind, would you tell her I said hello? I never really quite knew if your mother approved of me seeing you, but I hope she would.Please write back soon.Thinking of you always,Phillip Martinp.s please don't write your name on the envelope so no one suspects anythingMy dear Phillip,It is so good to read your words in the letter you wrote me. We are very lucky that I gave you the hotel's business card, or you wouldn't have been able to write to me. I was a bit upset that you had to leave so abruptly, but I when your older sister Paula and little sister Alison found out about us, I had a gut feeling that it would have been nearly impossible to see each other any more. I am doing a lot better, but mother still treats me as if I was still in a bed in the sanatorium, when I am out and about. My mother said she had her suspicions about us after she met you, because she said that you glowed with happiness every time you and I were together. I hope that was true Phil! It is very lonely now, but i have convinced my mother to let me go back to school. I will be a year behind, but what is the difference? I get to be with more people our age than being isolated at the Imperial Hotel. My mother is still concerned about my health conditions, but I have gone to the doctor and he said that I have never been better.Yours truly,Ann TarrantDearest Ann,My parents almost found the letter you wrote to me, but I grabbed from them just in time. I told them that it was just junk and I threw it in the waste basket. But as soon as they left my sight, I rummaged threw the basket to get it out. I guess we have to be a bit more careful. My family keeps nagging about me and Sylvia, always asking where we are going and if we are happy with each other. It is ridiculous because both me and Sylvia keep telling our parents that we don't feel that way for each other, but they must be half deaf, because I feel as though they will never stop. Well, hoping your time at school is a lot better that my time at home,Yours always,Phil Martin