Glass Bottle Season

In the novel "The Summer Place," Raymond Wilson-Domingo, a middle-class Cuban American, struggles with his fragile standing among the wealthy community on Aquidneck Island, where he was raised. He faces job challenges, a lobster theft, a misguided plan to become a lawyer, an exclusive beach club, a car crash, a mysterious new resident, and a doomed romance. He will do anything to cement his place among New England's most elite social circles, but will it be enough?

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company

Aquidneck Island, a luxurious paradise nestled in the heart of Rhode Island, serves as the backdrop for a captivating tale of a young Cuban American navigating the intricate social dynamics of his affluent community. Raymond Wilson-Domingo, a recent college graduate, finds himself grappling with his fragile position among the privileged elite, constantly teetering on the edge of being cast out before the summer season comes to a close.

Born into a middle-class Cuban American family, Raymond has always felt somewhat out of place among the snobbish old-money aristocracy of Newport. His heritage, combined with his modest upbringing in the city's less desirable Fifth Ward neighborhood, has created a sense of distance and uncertainty within him. However, this summer, a series of events will intertwine, throwing Ray's world into turmoil and revealing the stark differences between him and his peers.

Ray's job at a boutique wine shop, a lobster theft, a misguided attempt to pursue a legal career, an exclusive beach club, an ill-fated car crash, the enigmatic presence of a new resident at Moon View mansions, and a doomed romance with the esteemed doyenne of Newport—all these elements will collide, creating a tumultuous and suspenseful narrative. As the Campbell-Doheny wedding approaches, the air is filled with anticipation, money, gossip, and drama, enveloping Ray and his peers in a web of social intrigue.

Driven by an insatiable desire to secure his place among New England's most elite social circles, Ray is willing to do whatever it takes to cement his status. He yearns to be accepted and respected by his peers, to blend seamlessly into the affluent tapestry of the community. But the question remains: will his efforts be enough to bridge the gap between him and the privileged elite?

Through his journey, Raymond confronts the complexities of identity, class, and societal expectations. He questions the value of material wealth and the importance of genuine connections. He learns to navigate the treacherous waters of social hierarchy, striving to find his place amidst the chaos and uncertainty.

Aquidneck Island, with its breathtaking beaches, opulent mansions, and vibrant culture, becomes a metaphor for the pursuit of happiness and the complexities of human relationships. As the summer unfolds, Raymond's story takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leaving us wondering what the future holds for this young man who is determined to make his mark on the world.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781684429424