This powerful YA novel follows a close-knit group of teenagers through what should be a carefree summer, exploring big issues around consent, healthy relationships and the damaging consequences when lines are crossed. I have previously read and enjoyed middle grade novels by the same author (I will include links to my reviews at the end of this post), and in this novel she again demonstrates her ability to portray authentic, well-constructed characters who draw the reader into a thought-provoking, beautifully written story.

I loved the format of this novel, with each chapter telling the story from the multiple viewpoints of the three main protagonists; Molly, Rhiannon and Ben. Molly is a very attractive, outgoing, people-pleaser. The girl that everybody loves and pays attention to. She is sweet and kind, but has lost some of her self-confidence since her mum walked out on the family a year ago, her Dad descended into heavy drinking and depression and her adored older sister went away to university. She relies more than ever on escaping to her childhood best friend Rhiannon’s house, where she is practically one of the family. Rhiannon is much more reserved than Molly, often appearing to be slightly cynical. She takes little interest in fashion or flirtation, but despite their apparent differences, the two girls have a strong bond of friendship. Then there is Ben, Rhiannon’s twin brother, who appears to be a model teenage boy; hardworking, polite, caring and completely tongue-tied and embarrassed whenever Molly appears because he has worshipped her forever. When the trio attend a pre-GCSE party at which copious alcohol is consumed, and Ben rescues Molly after her interaction with another lad goes badly, they share a drunken kiss. Ben and Molly walk home together, leaving Rhiannon at the party, but when Molly wakes up in Ben’s bed the following morning and cannot remember large chunks of the night before, there follows a summer of anxiety, panic attacks and lies which will impact all their lives, and their wider friendships.

The narrative is very clever in the way that it presents the different viewpoints as each character interrogates their own feelings (or tries to push them aside and bury them) and attempts to make sense of their own, and others’ actions on the night of the party. The reader gains insight into the key issue of what consent means, lines that should not be crossed, and how the effects of alcohol consumption can lead to bad behaviour even from ‘good’ people. I was slightly surprised that every teen in the wider friendship group was portrayed as drinking heavily and having sex at the age of 16, but assume that the author did this to demonstrate different behaviours within relationships. As an adult it is heartbreaking to read Molly’s narrative and realise that her experience is probably shared by so many young girls who are often made to feel that they are to blame, and suffer subsequent psychological harm, after sexual assault. I hope that this hard-hitting but very readable book will provide a catalyst for conversations about relationships, alcohol consumption and consent in secondary schools, and might spark conversations between parents and their teenage children, because it is so important that these issues are spoken about and understood by teen boys and girls.

I am grateful to publicist Dannie Price and David Fickling Books for sending me an advanced proof copy of The Summer After the Night Before ahead of publication on 7 May 2026. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.

Please click on the links below to read my reviews of the superb Bigg School series of middle grade novels by Lisa Williamson:

Best Friends Forever by Lisa Williamson, illustrated by Jess Bradley

Double Drama by Lisa Williamson, illustrated by Jess Bradley

Secret Crush by Lisa Williamson, illustrated by Jess Bradley