"The Summer That Melted Everything" Review

“The Summer That Melted Everything” by Tiffany McDaniel

Published by St. Martin’s Press

Finished 7/12/16 - 4/5 Stars

I’m shocked that this is a debut novel.  The storyline is very original (as are some of the character names) and the writing is simply wonderful.  The only negative I have would be that occasionally it felt a little forced rather than simply flowing.  Overall though, it was great and I think this author has a lot to bring to the literary world.

The novel is narrated by Fielding Bliss, a very lonely old man fighting internal demons of his own.  He tells the story of when he was a 13 year old boy in 1984 - the year the devil, who appears as a young, homeless, black boy, came to the very small town of Breathed, Ohio.  Fielding’s dad and the sheriff don’t believe him to be the devil and try to find out who he actually belongs to, but as negative things happen the town becomes more and more convinced that he is in fact the devil.  As the novel switches between the adult Fielding and young Fielding, you are able to see how events of his youth have shaped his life.     

The timing of the release of this book couldn’t be better.  There are currently disturbing issues in America revolving around racism, homosexuality, stereotypes, and bullying.  A recurring theme within the novel is judging people based on their appearance and without truly knowing them - their thoughts, their fears, their struggles, their loves, and their losses.  The actions and re-actions based on these judgements effect the entire community.  Isn’t that true in real life as well?

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this novel in return for an honest review.  I greatly appreciate it and wish for wonderful things to come for this talented author.