EDITOR’S CHOICE
A deeply moving and powerful novel, The Summer Before masterfully explores trauma, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and family.
Dianne C. Braley’s The Summer Before is an emotionally charged novel that delves deep into the harrowing impact of trauma, guilt, and the complexities of family and friendship. With raw honesty and a powerful narrative, Braley explores the pain of being a secondary victim—someone who bears the emotional scars of another’s suffering.
At the heart of the story is Madeline, a young woman struggling under the weight of betrayal and loss. She and her best friend, Summer, shared a sisterly bond, built on trust and shared secrets. But when one devastating truth shatters their world, the aftermath leaves Madeline drowning in guilt. Six years after the trial that tore her family apart, she teeters on the edge of self-destruction. The only way forward is through confrontation—of her past, her parents, and the people who failed Summer when she needed them most.
Braley’s writing is gripping and deeply introspective, pulling the reader into Madeline’s turmoil with unflinching honesty. The novel does not shy away from difficult themes, tackling abuse, mental health, and the lingering effects of trauma with sensitivity and depth. The characters are richly developed, their pain and resilience heartbreakingly real.
While at times the story is almost overwhelming in its emotional intensity, it remains a compelling and necessary read. Braley masterfully captures the nuances of guilt and the long road to healing, making The Summer Before a haunting but ultimately hopeful exploration of survival, justice, and the enduring power of love and friendship.
