This reading group guide for Summer Darlings includes an introduction, discussion questions, and ideas for enhancing your book club. The suggested questions are intended to help your reading group find new and interesting angles and topics for your discussion. We hope that these ideas will enrich your conversation and increase your enjoyment of the book

Introduction

Set during the splendid summer days of 1960s Martha’s Vineyard, this page-turning debut novel pulls back the curtain on one mysterious and wealthy family as seen through the eyes of their nanny—a college student who, while falling in love on the elegant island, is also forced to reckon with the dark underbelly of privilege.

In 1962, coed Heddy Winsome leaves her hardscrabble Irish Brooklyn neighborhood behind and ferries to glamorous Martha’s Vineyard to nanny for one of the wealthiest families on the island. But as she grows enamored with the alluring and seemingly perfect young couple and chases after their two mischievous children, Heddy discovers that her academic scholarship at Wellesley has been revoked, putting her entire future at risk.

Determined to find her place in the couple's wealthy social circles, Heddy nurtures a romance with the hip surfer down the beach while wondering if the better man for her might be a quiet, studious college boy instead. But no one she meets on the summer island—socialite, starlet, or housekeeper—is as picture-perfect as they seem, and she quickly learns that the right last name and a house in a tony zip-code may guarantee privilege, but that rarely equals happiness.

Rich with the sights and sounds of midcentury Martha’s Vineyard, Brooke Lea Foster’s debut novel Summer Darlings promises entrance to a rarefied world, for readers who enjoyed Tigers in Red Weather or The Summer Wives.

Topics & Questions for Discussion (12-15 Discussion Questions)

1. Heddy experiences a newfound freedom when she drives for the first time. Jean-Rose comments, “You know, I bet you’re capable of so much more than you think. More than your mother even knows.” Why do you think Heddy disliked this statement from Jean-Rose so much?

2. At the beginning of Summer Darlings Jean-Rose tries to mentor Heddy. Discuss the power dynamic between the two women when Jean-Rose first hires Heddy. How does this dynamic evolve through their relationship?

3. Jean-Rose and Ted care deeply about their appearance on Martha’s Vineyard, and even force these expectations on their children. How do you think it affects each child? Who do you imagine Teddy will be when grows up? What about Anna?

4. We rarely see Jean-Rose and Ted show compassion to people of a different social class. Why do you think they continue to help Ruth?

5. Heddy strikes up a friendship with a famous actress, Gigi McCabe. What do you think Gigi’s intentions were in spending time with Heddy? What do you think the women learned from each other in their time together.

6. Heddy feels uncomfortable when she overhears Ted talking about how he wishes he had a more attractive secretary. She says “when a man had a child, particularly a daughter, he should tamp down any vulgar aspects of his personality. But boys will be boys, she supposed.” (pg. 49) How does the idea of “boys will be boys” persist throughout the social interactions on the vineyard? Do you think this is a product of the time?

7. When Jean-Rose offers to set Heddy up, Heddy is disappointed to find out that her date is a waiter. But when she meets Sullivan, and realizes he is Harvard educated, and comes from a wealthy family, her opinion of him changes. Discuss Heddy’s prejudices. Why do you think they exist? Do you think they’re justified?

8. Heddy overhears Jean-Rose and her friend commenting that “service isn’t what it used to be.” (pg. 60). Heddy says that “for the first time, it made her resent these women in updos and strappy sandals.” How does this resentment build throughout the summer? What other instances can you identify that chance Heddy’s opinion of Jean-Rose and her friends?

9. Gigi often alludes to social status being precarious, and believes that Jean-Rose takes too much stock in it. What do you think happened to Jean-Rose after her confrontation with Gigi and Heddy? Do you feel sympathy for Jean-Rose? Why or why not.

10. Ash said he “takes what he needs and skims off the top.” Did you suspect Ash’s motives while being on the island? Do you think that his scheme was justified given his father’s history with Ted?

11. When Marilyn Monroe’s death makes the news, Heddy and Ruth both mourn the loss, while Jean-Rose reprimands them. Why do you think the death of Marilyn Monroe affected Ruth and Heddy so much? Why do you think Jean-Rose disapproved?

12. Imagine what Heddy’s future with Ash might look like. What would a future with Sullivan have looked like? Do you think she made the right choice? Why or why not.

13). What do you envision Heddy and Ruth’s life will look in the city? Will they remain life-long friends? What about the two women drew them close?

Enhance Your Book Club (3-5 Enhance Your Book Club Suggestions)

1. Heddy uses Audrey Hepburn as inspiration in cutting her hair. Watch a classic Audrey Hepburn film to prepare for your book club. Why do you think Audrey Hepburn was such an icon in the 1960s? What do you think Heddy and Ruth admired most about her?

2. Gigi McCabe acts as a placeholder for Hollywood glamour, dating Cary Grant, and being a notorious independent It Girl on the island. Discuss which actresses from the 1960s you think might have served as inspiration for Gigi and why.

3. Martha’s Vineyard is famous for being a vacation spot for socialites, celebrities, and politicians. Research the history of the island and have each member of your reading group bring a surprising fact about Martha’s Vineyard that they found.