The Last Season

In 1941, the war in Europe has captured the fascination of everyone in the Newport area whether they are part of the social elite, fishermen, or members of the Naval War College. The war has forged strange relationships. For instance, naval student and son of scions, Russell Westcott III noticed the beautiful young lady watching while he was winning a yacht race. He later learns her name is Sera and she is the daughter of a Portuguese fisherman living in Stoningham, Connecticut. While Russell decides to make a play for Sera, her buddy Jake Werth wants her to see him as a lover not a friend. However, Jake knows he cannot compete with the charismatic, win at all costs Russell even as both attend the war college. Jake's role is to be a mole, trying to uncover who is giving away war gaming secrets. At the same time, a slickster wines and dines Russell into revealing those same secrets that he figures are nothing but silly adult games. As both Mike and Russell vie for Sera's affections, their adversarial roles will force a confrontation just as Pearl Harbor is around the corner. THE LAST SEASON is a superb historical fiction work that brings Newport into clear focus just months before America enters World War II. The lead triangle is formed quite nicely in front of a vivid and descriptive backdrop. Although Jake's morality seems too perfect, readers will fully understand the motives of him, Russell and Sera. Ronald Florence provides a fabulous period piece that thrillingly turns THE LAST SEASON into a splendid novel that will leave genre fans seeking more works such as the authors' GYPSY MAN.Harriet Klausne

This is a page-turner written with style. Initially, I was attracted by the period spy plot set in 1941 pre-war society Newport. However, equally engrossing are the portraits of racing boats (and the craftsmen who create them) and pre-war ethnic Connecticut village life. Normally a speed reader, I slowed down to savor the details. The picture of "society" reminded me of The Remains of the Day, except that Florence's boat races and chase scenes are more exciting.