I'm not sure how I feel about this, I did enjoy it but I didn't find any of the characters or the story believable, I have studied French language and culture for a long time so I can see how they'd be more relatable to a French reader. I can also imagine the book would be miles better in the original language. Saying all that this is a story unlike anything I've read before and I did find the main character to be intriguing. This is a book best read on a lazy Sunday in the sun, I sped through it on two evenings. It wouldn't be at the top of my list to recommend but if you fancy something easy to get through that isn't your average holiday beach read then this is for you.

Odd book that had me thinking- why? That coupled with a very American translation just jarred. Temps of 102? Ah yes- 39C. Little things but they did disturb the flow of the book. Curious cover and title too- just all didn't make sense

A great little short story that makes you feel a bit uneasy!

Leo watches Oscar die and does nothing to help. He then decided to bury the body in a moment of madness.

From then on this novella follows Leo on his last few days of holiday as he deals with his guilt as well as his crush on one of the girls on the campsite Luce and in general just trying to fit in with other teenagers and avoid his parents.

I found this book really atmospheric. I've been on lots of caravan type holidays and the descriptions and observations were spot on.

It was fun being inside the mind of a character like Leo for a while. He's definitely a bit of a strange one, classic awkward teenager minus the burying a body bit! Half the time I didn't know what was real and what wasn't, he's definitely a bit of an unreliable narrator!

This one won't be for everyone but I found it a quick interesting read and I'll be looking out for future books by this author!

An interesting short story from a teenager's perspective, but they were all a bit obnoxious. Writing and translation were good.

I really trust Sam Taylor as a translator and this did not disappoint - a great translation. The premise sounded fantastic and the blurb really grabbed me. It was a very short and suspenseful read. There is a lot to unpack and a lot to think about. and I do appreciate being left with unanswered questions. I think everyone's interpretation of this book will vary slightly and for that reason, I think it is a very interesting, thought provoking novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read heatwave by Victor Jestin. This was a quick read around 2hrs without a break. The cover and title of the book made me think of a light hearted beach holiday novel but the opening chapter of this book set the scene and from there on it I had to keep reading. The main character was a complex boy who obviously suffered with social anxiety/awkwardness and a bit of OCD. A bit of a social outcast with his peers. I couldn’t guess the conclusion of the book and at about 97% thought where are we going with this one. Still some unanswered questions hovering around in my mind and I guess I’ll still be thinking of this storyline for a few days. Be interested to see what others make of it.