Much of the novel is spent negotiating who the protagonists portray themselves to be as they narrow in on each other.

While disappointing, this farm novel is unconvincing in register, oversimplified and sensationalist, writes Jane Rosenthal.

Ancient myths and modern-day tale speak to us.

<em>The Last Summer</em> is a very pleasing novel; for all its apparent artlessness, it remains in the mind long after one has put it down.