Author Brooke Lea Foster recently released her book, “All The Summers In Between.” With it, she hopes to transport readers into the legendary history of the Hamptons. Foster’s novel is infused with a profound understanding of the Wading River region’s rich history and cultural legacy, a sentiment she draws from her own background and her family’s connections to the island.
“All The Summers In Between” is a story about the lives of Margot and Thea, the primary protagonists, as they are chronicled in two different timelines against the backdrop of the East End throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Foster’s upbringing and her desire to learn more about the area’s historical development had a role in her decision to investigate this pivotal moment in Hamptons history.
Foster spent dreamy summers discovering the pristine beaches and quaint towns scattered throughout the Hamptons shoreline while growing up on Long Island’s North Fork. She set out to portray the spirit of this bygone age, motivated by the famous tales of Andy Warhol’s parties, the Rolling Stones’ visits, and the lively social scene of decades prior.
She creates a vivid picture of the Hamptons during a period of social upheaval and cultural turmoil via painstaking research and interviews with local historians and people. Readers are taken to a world where friendships are created among the ebb and flow of summer tides, and where class lines blur from the busy streets of East Hampton to the serene shores of Gardiner’s Bay.
“All The Summers In Between” gives readers an insight into the lives of two young ladies from disparate origins who connect with the sun-drenched scenery of the Hamptons. An odd friendship that breaks down social barriers and defies conventions is formed between Thea, a diligent local with aspirations of her own, and Margot, the stereotypical affluent summer visitor.
Foster’s description of well-known sites and hangouts, such as Indian Wells Beach (fondly called “Asparagus Beach”) and the charming record store on Newtown Lane where Margot and Thea work side by side, is evident due to her deep familiarity with the area.
There are countless Easter Eggs hidden throughout the book for readers to discover. These include allusions to well-known Amagansett restaurants like Felice’s Restaurant and Astro’s Pizza and a memorable trip to Andy Warhol’s renowned Montauk estate, Eothen.
“All The Summers In Between” fundamentally examines the ongoing strength of female friendship against the backdrop of a society that is changing. Margot and Thea face the age-old dilemma of what it means to genuinely belong as they negotiate the turbulent currents of love, grief, and self-discovery.
Foster invites readers to explore through the pages of “All The Summers In Between,” providing personal insights into her creative process and the inspiration behind her current work. She will be appearing at many author events in the coming months, including BookHampton, the Quogue Author Series, and Bridgehampton. Don’t pass up the chance to immerse yourself in the rich history of the Hamptons, sifting through the stories of Margot and Thea, page by intriguing page.
