Return to Sullivan’s Island

Dorthea Benton Frank’s Return to Sullivans Island is yet another novel belonging to my beloved Southern fiction genre, here the South Carolina Lowcountry forming the backdrop for this lighthearted story. From the publisher’s description:

Newly graduated from college and an aspiring writer, Beth Hayes craves independence and has a world to conquer. But her notions of travel, graduate study, and writing the great American novel will have to be postponed. With her mother, Susan, leaving to fulfill her own dreams in Paris and her Aunt Maggie, Uncle Grant, and stepfather, Simon, moving to California, Beth is elected by her elders to house-sit the Island Gamble. Surrounded by the shimmering blue waters of the Atlantic, the white clapboards, silver tin roof, and confessional porch have seen and heard the stories of generations of Hamiltons. But will the ghosts of the Island Gamble be watching over Beth?

Buoyed by sentimental memories of growing up on this tiny sandbar that seems to be untouched by time, Beth vows to give herself over to the Lowcountry force and discover the wisdom it holds. She will rest, rejuvenate, and then reenter the outside world. Just as she vows she will never give into the delusional world of white picket fences, minivans, and eternal love, she meets Max Mitchell. And all her convictions and plans begin to unravel with lightning speed.

Being a Southern gal myself, I completely enjoyed Frank’s references to Southern icons like sweet tea, hush puppies and rocking chairs on the porch. Her characterization of Beth’s Aunt Maggie is hilarious in its spot on depiction of the Southern matriarch (though admittedly somewhat exaggerated). I’ve never been to the Lowcountry but if it’s anything like Frank’s portrayal I know I would love it. Throw in some haints (ghosts) and you have what is certainly an eclectic though enjoyable backdrop for a novel.

As I said, Return to Sullivans Island is, for the most part, a lighthearted, fun read, along the lines of a chick lit novel. Beth’s youth and naivete, while charming, can begin to weary the reader toward the end of the novel–yet all is resolved rather quickly and almost too tidily, which isn’t necessarily a criticism. In fact, my only real criticism of the novel is the inclusion of several adult themes; e.g. language and sex. In my opinion neither contribute to the success of the story and, at least for this reader, detract from it.

So, if you’re looking for a fun read and do not mind adult themes nor a too tidy ending, then you will enjoy a trip to the Lowcountry by way of Return to Sullivans Island.

Thanks to Mother Talk for providing the opportunity for us to review Return to Sullivans Island here at 5 Minutes for Books!

Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes….