Like the previous reviewer, I read this book, dare I admit, about 27 years ago when I was a young teenager, but its one of those rare, rare books, out of the hundreds inbetween, that have stayed with me. Whilst I don't recall all the exact details, the descriptions of long summer days, vibrant characters and the reality of raw, first emotions, along with the atmosphere evoked, transported me to that place. It was the first book that I couldn't put down. This is excellent read, and instilled in me a sense of romanticism, not to mention an awareness of how full and heavy a heart can be. There was no going back from the impact of this book and I am so happy to have had the pleasure to read it in my formative years, it was an important part of my education.