Year Without Summer, The
Glasfurd, GuinevereWith the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia, the global climate is disrupted and the year that follows is without a summer. The far-reaching effects of the temporary climate change play out with profound consequences, both personal and political, and are traced through the lives of six unconnected global citizens - some invented, some adapted and others familiar (artist John Constable and writer Mary Shelley).
This is an unforgettable story of the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history, passionately rendered and a powerful reminder of the aftermath of climate breakdown in an unfair world.
Pages
390
390
Year
2020
2020
Reviews
15-02-2024
Amazed that none of us knew about this piece of history. The style of the story was difficult to follow. Separate short stories would have worked better.
15-02-2024
The subject topic was excellent and most informative, but the way the book jumped from person to person was annoying.
22-06-2023
As we were ignorant about the Mount Tambora eruption and its consequences for other countries, we appreciated the historical aspect of this book. Our discussions included climate change, poverty and instant information spread. Some members found the structure distracting.
17-05-2023
The group enjoyed this book. We agreed it wasn't an enjoyable or uplifting read but it was interesting and worth a read.
28-03-2023
An extremely profound book - written with care to detail of each of the characters, including their local patois, living situations, beliefs and passions. A very important addition to the fractious subject of climate change. We learned a great deal about what can happen with a change of weather and felt overwhelmed by our new knowledge. Thank you, Guinevere Glasfurd.
12-01-2023
Several members found this to be a depressing story and a bit disjointed. I learnt a lot - the effects of a volcano; what the Tongan volcano is doing to the world; and climate change is caused by many things.
21-11-2022
The history basis was interesting and relevant but the structure didn't give the storyline natural flow. The future impacts expected from climate change were a logical discussion stimulus.
08-11-2022
Interesting and relevant subject - eruption. Ditto the characters from history although sometimes confusing movement between them.
05-05-2022
This book was acknowledged by all in our group to be very well-written and extremely interesting. However, almost all of us felt it was badly structured - to the point of being maddening for some. It was thought the material would work better as a series of short stories.