The Aftersummer

By: Andrew Erkkila

Narrated by: Jason L. Bishop

Set in Barcelona, The Aftersummer follows Benjamin Lazarus, an unwitting attempted suicide haunted by the dybbuk of his deceased grandfather, who stumbles into the crosshairs of an international conspiracy when he is enlisted to piece together the story of Amela K, the abducted widow of a reclusive author.

As Lazarus sorts through a mysterious manuscript in order to restore the stolen lands of his employer’s great-great grandmother, burned as a witch in Poland, he becomes embroiled in a Nazi witch program very much interested in preserving its secret. What follows is a surreal odyssey through a vanishing century that is still more than consumed with the specter of its past.

©2024 Andrew Erkkila (P)2024 Andrew Erkkila

Good story; a little confusing until the end

I confess this story had me at times enjoying the pace and development of the plot, and at other times scratching my head. The characters were well defined and three dimensional, but there was a lot of back and forth, long jaunts into memories, etc. By the end I did finally see how it all came together, but it took some work. Don't expect this Author to spoon feed you. The narration was excellent, clear and well paced, with believable character voices.

beautifully crafted narrative…

Andrew Erkkila's "The Aftersummer" explores the complexities of love, loss, and rediscovery during the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

At the heart of the story is the protagonist, who embarks on a poignant journey that navigates the bittersweet nature of summer's end. Erkkila's characters are richly developed, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences, which adds depth to the narrative. Their interactions are both heartwarming and heartbreaking, making the reader, in my opinion reflect on their own relationships.

The author's ability to weave themes of nostalgia and hope into a coming-of-age story is masterful. The atmosphere of the setting, a small town brimming with both charm and melancholy, serves as a perfect backdrop for the protagonist's journey. Erkkila's writing captures the essence of fleeting moments that linger in the mind long after the book is closed.

"The Aftersummer" doesn't shy away from exploring difficult topics, yet it does so with a sensitivity that is both refreshing and necessary. It's a story about embracing change and finding one's path, resonating with anyone who has ever experienced the highs and lows of growing up.

This is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction. Andrew Erkkila's skillful storytelling and beautifully drawn characters ensure that this book will resonate with readers long after they finish the last page. I definitely recommend it!

Fascinating read

This book was unlike any other I’ve read. Intricate and fascinating plot that takes readers on a journey across continents and time periods.

Slow & Confusing

I had so much trouble understanding the stories heading, seem dumb, even the main character found the whole thing inane.