The Summer Guests

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness, substance use, emotional abuse, physical abuse, child abuse, and death.

One way The Summer Guests builds tensions is through the difference between appearances and reality. Introduced through the symbolism of Maiden Pond, the theme develops through revelations about the true motivations and actions of characters such as Luther Younge, Reuben Tarkin, and, most notably, Brooke Conover. In particular, the novel warns about the interplay between perception and appearance; when appearances deceive, it is often because of the preconceptions and prejudices attached to them. 

Maiden Pond appears beautiful and tranquil on the surface, but under the water are Anna’s bones, evidence of the tragic crimes that have taken place there. Coupled with the lake’s name (specifically, its association with idealized femininity), this foreshadows the difference between the appearance and the reality of Brooke Conover. Outwardly, Brooke seems like the put-together, beautiful wife of a wealthy Wall Street businessman; she is one half of “the golden couple” (17), as Ethan and Susan refer to them. She appears to be a devoted, caring mother who goes out of her way to comfort Susan following the disappearance of Zoe.