Sunburn Chloe Michelle Howarth 2023
It is the late 1990s, and Lucy, reaching the end of school in the rural Irish village of Crossmore, is leaving her childhood behind.
Her world is small and narrow – family, school, friends, boys – the intrigues of growing up and rites of passage absorb her desires for conformity and fulfilment. Lucy is one of the village girls, closely knit in a circle of friends that she has been ensconced in since infancy, and she has little thought of deviating from the well-worn path trod by many before her: marriage, motherhood, and life on the farm with her teenage sweetheart, Martin.
As she enters her final year of high school and things start coming into sharper focus, Lucy is also intrigued by the alluring Susannah, who – with her wealth, family dereliction, and otherworldliness – is already a step beyond the village that Lucy is increasingly frustrated by. As the summer heightens, Lucy and Susannah grow closer, sunbaking in the garden of Susannah’s house where she is left mostly alone. Lucy understands her love for Susannah, and they both find the rigid confines and expectations of the village restrictive. However, Susannah is much more willing to pursue a more open vision of a possible future for herself, Lucy, their relationship, and all the countless others who seek diverse potentials for themselves as the world changes.
The novel is beautifully written, using many images of sunlight, enlightenment, firelight, and warmth to describe the love between Susannah and Lucy throughout. The story is highly engaging and gives a vivid portrayal of a world in rapid change, not so long ago. The characters are incredibly well-rendered and authentic, and Lucy’s attempt to placate many powerful and persuasive demands will resonate with many readers.
