TEST
The Last Season is a beautifully written story with appeal for readers of romance and suspense alike. In the summer of 1941, from the glittering social whirl of Newport, to the fishing villages in Newport’s shadow, to the nearby Naval War College, everyone is acutely aware that war is on the horizon and lives are about to change forever.
Against this backdrop, a romantic fairy tale romance begins between Sera, daughter of a Portuguese fisherman, and Russell Westcott III, privileged son of Newport and a lieutenant at the Naval College. But Russell may ultimately be less than he seems, and some of the hangers on around Newport, who ask casual questions and ships and the College war games, may be more than they seem.
Florence has crafted a novel that is suspenseful on multiple levels. Will Sera and Russell’s romance survive the social forces that want to tear them apart? Or will Russell’s own human weakness destroy their future? Will the spy factions get hold of crucial information (including a Naval College war game plan that simulates an airborne attack on Pearl Harbor)? Will good guy Jake Werth ever come to grips with his no-longer big brotherly feelings for Sera, his best friend’s kid sister?
The tense atmosphere and maneuvering at all levels, from military career jockeying, to high society snubs, to yacht racing strategy kept this reader turning the pages quickly. Florence does an excellent job of pacing his story, moving easily between plot threads and among different viewpoint characters, until the whole thing climaxes in a thrilling boat chase finale. The setting and historical era come vividly to life in such period details as flirtatious gestures copied from then-current movies, and mention of actual historical figures like OSS head “Wild Bill” Donovan and Japanese ambassador Joseph Grew.
Neither the politics nor the romance ever run away with the story completely; Florence maintains a fine balance between the two. Secondary characters, including Sera’s and Russell’s parents, hold their own in the story, each coming off as an individual with complex motivations of his or her own. Personal, political and patriotic motivations come together so well in the climax, and Sera, Russell and Jake show their true worth as people in the choices they make at crucial moments.
In short, this is a compelling story that had me hooked from the first page to the last. If I have any complaint, it’s that I wanted to see more of Jake, who was the only major character who seemed to vanish completely whenever he was not center stage. It was hard to know anything about him beyond his unrelenting decency and his inability to express his feelings for Sera. The ending and denouement too, seemed a bit rushed and left a few loose ends dangling. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book thoroughly and was very happy to read a well-researched, accurate story about a time period, the World War II era, that fascinates me. The drama of the story, coupled with the setting, could make a really good movie, one I hope to have a chance to watch someday.
Grade: B+
Book Type: Historical Fiction
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 19/09/00
Publication Date: 2002
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.