This novel tells the story of the relationship between an RAF pilot, Len Westbourne, and a RDF (radar) ground-controller, Stella Gardam,during the summer of 1940, in what would later be referred to as the Battle of Britain.

Set against a war-time background 'That Summer' is a well crafted love story full of both joy and sorrow. The story is told in first person narrative from the viewpoint of each of the main characters in short punchy chapters with each of the lovers narrating different sections.

I felt that Greig managed to vividly evoke the immediacy of life at the time, in particular that of the fighter pilots. There is an intensity to it as each one of them lives life to its full. Greig explores the hearts and minds of his characters, in doing so, turns this into a novel about what it means to enjoy life whilst you can at the same time bringing home the reality of the randomness of war.

This is not some nostalgic piece of work but a very contemporary one. You cannot help to care about Len and Stella, their friends Tad and Maddy, willing them all to survive unscathed against all the odds and we, the modern day reader, get a possible insight into the hopes and dreams for the future, after the war, of those that were actually there. Simple dreams of families and setting down roots.

The book does not glorify war but rather the futility of it. Overall I felt that this was a very well written and thoughtful piece of work from an author that I had not previously picked up. ( )

I really enjoyed this novel. I got so into it that I very nearly missed both my bus stop, and a crucial train announcement. The characters were vivid, well-drawn and likeable, and the plot is absorbing - a little too much so for comfort on public transport. Just as good as 'In Another Light', and perhaps better in some ways - I found it easier to relate to the characters.

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good escapist read. ( )

http://lizzysiddal.wordpress.com/2007/09/20/that-summer-in-another-light-andrew-... ( )