The novel deals with the complex relationship between a mother and daughter living in the fictional town of Shirley Falls, Maine. The story is set during a sweltering summer in the early 1970s and explores themes of shame, secrecy, and the search for personal identity.

Isabelle Goodrow is a single mother who works in the office of a local mill, struggling with feelings of inadequacy and the longing for a better life. Her daughter, Amy, is a shy and intelligent teenager who has a tumultuous relationship with her mother. The tension between them escalates when Amy becomes involved in an inappropriate relationship with her math teacher, Mr. Robertson.

Isabelle's discovery of the affair shatters the fragile bond between them, leading to a period of estrangement and self-reflection for both characters. The novel intricately portrays Isabelle's internal struggles, her feelings of failure as a mother, and her efforts to reclaim her own identity apart from her role as a parent.

As the story progresses, both Amy and Isabelle confront their own vulnerabilities and the unspoken grievances that have driven them apart. The oppressive heat of the summer mirrors the simmering emotions and unresolved conflicts that define their relationship. Through moments of pain and eventual reconciliation, they begin to understand each other better and strive towards healing.

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