Stories

Having crashed and burned after early success as a composer, Alex has managed to rebuild his career and his life. Carpenter Neil is between girlfriends, and his knowledge of music is limited. Yet despite their differences the two come together, and each spurs the other on to explore life further and to take risks. Add in a pair of mothers who are friends and Neil’s fragile younger brother—as well as a manipulative rich uncle and some lively friends—and you have a dynamic mix.

When artist and illustrator Louis leaves London and moves to his late uncle’s house in Northamptonshire, his intention is to simplify his life. He didn’t expect a cute painter and his toxic aunt, a burned-out ex who comes to visit but stays, and a grumpy gay policeman, not to mention men from his uncle’s dodgy past who seem to have criminal intentions and an obsession with an ancient artefact.

It was meant to be a break, a few peaceful weeks in Ireland and a chance to reconnect with his brother. But things don’t go according to plan. Businessman Russ can cope, just about, with his football-mad nephews, but add in a punishing encounter with a group of yobs, and the results are not quite what anyone expected. Though his brother has difficulty accepting Russ’ rather different personal life, ultimately the two bond over shared memories, Josephine Baker and bad poetry.

Welcome to Philpott Towers! Ten years apart in age, living very different lives, the Phillpott brothers are not close, but their father’s death sees the two returning to share their grandiose family home. Gray Philpott is a successful poet but rather less successful human being, now living with Vince, his solicitor elder brother in their father’s shadow—what could go wrong?

Close proximity forces both brothers to reassess their lives, and the Summer wreaks remarkable changes as the two settle into a new relationship, with both their lives and their emotional lives going in new directions.