56 pages 1-hour read

Chloe Michelle Howarth

Sunburn

Fiction | Novel | Adult

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Book Brief

Chloe Michelle Howarth

Sunburn

Fiction | Novel | Adult
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Romance
Setting

Delaware • 1990s

Theme
Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Fear
Topic
LGBTQ+
Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Sunburn by Laura Lippman, a person named Polly abandons their family, meeting Adam in a small Delaware town. They develop a complicated relationship filled with secrets and lies. As their connection deepens, Polly and Adam must navigate trust and betrayal, with their pasts threatening to unravel their future.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Sunburn by Laura Lippman delivers a gripping neo-noir thriller with compelling, morally complex characters and a plot filled with twists. The vividly rendered settings add depth, though some readers find the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s an engaging read that skillfully balances suspense and psychological insight.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sunburn?

A reader who enjoys Sunburn by Laura Lippman is likely drawn to gritty, psychological noir with strong, complex characters. This book is ideal for fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice due to its suspenseful plot, femme fatale protagonist, and exploration of dark, intricate relationships.

Character List

The narrator and protagonist of the novel, Lucy navigates her journey of self-discovery and acceptance amidst societal and familial pressures in Crossmore.

Lucy's primary love interest, Susannah is an unapologetic character who embraces her identity and challenges societal norms about sexuality in Crossmore.

Lucy’s childhood best friend and secondary romantic interest, Martin represents the conventional life path Lucy could have taken.

This group of friends, including Maria, Joan, Bernadette, Eimear, and Patricia, form Lucy's social circle in high school, reflecting the pressures and social norms of their community.

An antagonist in Lucy's life, her mother represents the traditional expectations of a heteronormative lifestyle, often expressing disapproval of Lucy's choices.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Romance
Setting

Delaware • 1990s

Theme
Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Fear
Topic
LGBTQ+
Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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