Exceptional historical fiction

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ A most unusual novel that had me hooked from the start. The Year Without Summer granted readers glimpses of the global impact from a catastrophic Indonesian volcanic eruption in 1815. Europe experienced epic rain and flooding whilst America is bone dry, suffering the worst drought in memory.

In this brilliant novel we trail after real characters around the world - writer Mary Shelley and John Constable, to name a few, along with fictional characters - who must navigate the difficulties of the time. Civil unrest and revolution quickly follow as times become harder for all. A British ship is sent to investigate what has happened to find thousands dead and an island once rich and thriving smothered under a mountain of ash.

It's an engaging story as we discover the origin of Frankenstein, Mary's breakthrough novel. Her story is one I especially enjoyed. But that's not all. There's plenty of heartbreak and struggle which breathes life into this novel. Sarah Hobbs's story is soul crushing as is Charles Whitlock's. The Year Without Summer is a beautifully illustrated example of how climate change can bring about great ramifications for people trying to survive through difficult times. This is historical fiction at its best.