Two awkward and vulnerable teenagers find themselves enmeshed in a compelling and complex relationship. Strangers to intimacy, love proves illusive, dangerous and ultimately fatal.
Things have been lonely for Liam since his best friend Brian moved to Oban - after the accident: no neighbours, a dad whom he hero-worshiped but was seldom at home, and a mum who got on his nerves. Looking forward to high school with the prospect of seeing Brian was about the only thing that kept him going.
But Brian blames Liam for the death of his wee sister and has new friends. He’s been looking forward to seeing Liam too - to get even. He starts by sabotaging Liam’s relationship with Abi, but it escalates, and Abi, blackmailed into silence by Brian who knows about her mum, finds herself unable to help.
Liam’s dad owns up to an affair and leaves, and Liam, unable to cope, finds himself a dealer in town and starts using.
As “Summer” dances towards conclusion, this story do not turn darkness into light, but it is a story of illumination. Superficially commonplace, yet too complex for happy endings, it shows us that seeking them is a necessary part of being human.