Summer of 69 by Erin Hilderbrand

The story revolving around a upper class family set in 1969 and a summer spent like always at Nantucket. But this time around the flow and ebb of their lives have changed. Teddy the only son just called up for service in Vietnam, Blair the elder daughter pregnant with twins, coping as best as she could, independent Kirby on her own working as a cleaner and then as a receptionist elsewhere and the youngest, growing up not happy to be with her mother and grandmother and their rules and regulations. She senses things are definitely not what they seem, there are hidden currents even with her mother and grandmother and change is in the air. The story is a soothing one - despite the drama which besets them at every turn. It soothes because it is familiar and to the outside world they seem untouched by what is happening within. Mother has become almost an alcoholic, Blair is almost certain her husband is unfaithful, Kirby is trying to "find herself" and come to grips with racism and a boyfriend who is African American and Jessie at thirteen falling in love for the first time with no one to confide in and watching the conflicts at home. Interspersed with the family story of the Levins, is Chappaquidick and the repercussions there and the Moon Landing - both touching lives of people in this story. A very enjoyable read because it is a plausible story - it could happen to any family in similar circumstances and one is drawn into the drama as well as its ups and downs. I never could get hold of a book by this author and I am so glad I was able to at last. A book from Glen Waverley library in Melbourne.