The Summer of Letting Go

The Summer of Letting Go is a poignant young adult novel exploring the profound grief and self-blame experienced by Francesca, a fifteen-year-old girl, after her younger brother Simon drowns while in her care. Four years later, she meets Frankie, a young boy who bears an uncanny resemblance to Simon, leading Francesca to believe he might be her brother reincarnated. This mysterious connection, alongside developing feelings for her best friend's boyfriend, forces Francesca to confront her past, process her guilt, and slowly begin to heal. The book sensitively handles themes of loss, responsibility, and the complex path to forgiveness, both for oneself and others. Parents should be aware that the book contains profanity and deals with heavy emotional themes, making it suitable for mature young adult readers.