Review: Cape May

Cape May by Chip Cheek
Page length: 257 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction    
Publication Date: 30 April 2019 (Hardcover)
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Source: ARC via NetGalley
 
Stars:  5 out of 5
 
Link: AMAZON (UK)
 
ABOUT CAPE MAY
 
September 1957
 
Henry and Effie, young newlyweds from Georgia, arrive in Cape May, New Jersey, for their honeymoon. It's the end of the season and the town is deserted.
As they tentatively discover each other, they begin to realize that everyday married life might be disappointingly different from their happily-ever-after fantasy.
 
Just as they get ready to cut the trip short, a decadent and glamorous set suddenly sweep them up into their drama - Clara, a beautiful socialite who feels her youth slipping away; Max, a wealthy playboy and Clara's lover; and Alma, Max's aloof and mysterious half-sister.
 
The empty beach town becomes their playground, and as they sneak into abandoned summer homes, go sailing, walk naked under the stars, make love, and drink a great deal of gin, Henry and Effie slip from innocence into betrayal, with irrevocable consequences that reverberate through the rest of their lives...

My Review:

From the first chapter I was hooked. Henry and Effie arrive in a deserted holiday town out of season. They consummate their marriage in a quick perfunctory manner and head out to see what little is on offer in the deserted holiday town.
 
They get to know each other, properly, the longest they've spent alone together. And start to discover and enjoy each other's bodies as any honeymooning couple.
 
Effie is disappointed that she isn't able to show Henry the Cape May she remembers. When Effie and Henry bumps into the overbearing Clara, a gorgeous socialite from the city, they join Clara's party scene, their Southern morals are loosened by the hard liquor and decadent living. They decide to extend their stay, to unexpected consequences. How will the Christian couple keep up with the partying? And can they ever return to their sleepy town in the south?
 
The story was sublime, and was beautifully told.
 
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
 
Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review.