AUTHOR Holly Cardamone recently launched her debut Young Adult contemporary novel, Summer, In Between, drafts of which were written on Phillip Island and at Cape Paterson, inspired by Holly’s own adolescence growing up in the Bass Coast.
“That said, it is certainly not autobiographical; the town that the novel is set in is fictional, but inspired by Cape Paterson, and this novel is a bit of a love letter to this town that I spent every summer of my life in,” said Holly.
Summer, In Between is a story of adolescence, the dynamics of a close-knit family, growing up in a small country town, and finding yourself through the complexity of societal pressure.
This story follows a young girl in a small coastal town navigating the pressures of her future.
“I had this image in my head of a young girl sitting on the beach with a monster textbook on her lap, completely oblivious to the group of good-looking surfer boys nearby. And then, of course, the question is, is she oblivious?” Holly explained.
Launching as a Young Adult novel, Holly said there is a lot of discussion in the publishing world on whether young adult is a genre or a readership. Summer, In Between is based on a 17-year-old character, so considered a Young Adult novel. “But, what's really interesting to me is that 28% of readers are over the age of 28, and that's me. I love young adult fiction. I've always loved it,” she said.
“They're the books that we read in our formative years, like Looking for Alibrandi; it’s those novels that really stick with us. I’ve spoken with many librarians on Summer, In Between who have shared that it’s a great book for those kids who aren’t interested in fantasy.
“I really wanted to write something especially for country kids, one where they can see themselves on the page. And I didn't want it to be moralising or belittling or judgmental. I really wanted it to speak in their voice, but it's surprised me how many adults are reaching out and loving it, because it has that nostalgia bump as well.”
From an idea to a draft that sat in a side drawer for over six years, Summer, In Between remained with Holly. When she finally decided to begin picking it apart, she still felt compelled to the characters and the story; it was then, after two years of the publishing roller coaster for a first-time novelist, that Holly entered the manuscript in a development prize and won, being offered a contract and awarded Hawkeye Prize Winner 2024.
“There is a real vulnerability in sharing a story, but in writing again after the long process of publishing, it also reminded me of the joy of creating and a feeling of accomplishment.
“This story is one that’s relevant to teens, it’s on the pressure to succeed, misogyny, toxic masculinity, cultural heritage, the dynamics of small towns pushing against the boundaries of labels. And, of course, first love.
“I felt it was too important a story not to share.”
Fancy an award-winning coming-of-age Young Adult novel? Say hello to Summer, in Between
Holly will be at Hare and Tortoise signing for Love Your Bookshop Day on October 11.
