Summer Day by Frank ParkerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This historical fiction book takes place during the 1940s after the end of World War 2. As someone born during that period I found ‘Summer Day’ a most interesting read. Henry is a young boy who flees away from a traumatic situation involving his father, Jack, and Bess, a Welsh Collie who was retired from being a working sheepdog. Henry is extremely fond of Bess and considers her to be his close friend.
Throughout the story we become aware of his extended family’s various impressions about Henry. This affects their concerns about him when he appears to have become lost somewhere around the extensive Hereford farmland where he lives. Some of them are worried, while others complain about his behaviour. All of this time, the reader is privy to Henry’s fears. And you can understand why he does not wish to be found.
Many outsiders also become involved in the situation, such as a district nurse, his schoolteacher and a doctor. Meanwhile, over many hours, Henry’s situation seems to become worse and worse through simple injuries to him and a violent rainstorm. The tension in the story is as tight as any thriller and you cannot help but worry about this frightened lad. I was rooting for him from start to finish – breathing a sigh of relief after the final few paragraphs! The author manages to capture the innermost fears and worries of all of the major characters. The dialogue makes sense and reveals an authentic picture of this rural community. Recommended reading to anyone who enjoys a story of family and small village societies.
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