Antigone Kingsley: About Last Summer

Cousins by blood - enemies by choice!

Living above her parents theatre has always given Antigone Kingsley (Tig) plenty of practice at being centre stage. But when the theatre faces financial crisis and the stage doors close, it is her alluring cousin Amelie, flown in from Paris, who grabs her family's attention. As Tig grapples with her identity away from the limelight, she watches her cousin steal the affection of her family, friends, school - even her loyal social media following! When tension between the two teenagers grow, Tig finds herself at a crossroad. Will her need to be liked outweigh her raging jealousy towards her cousin? Or will spiralling emotions and burning desires lead to murderous consequences?

Antigone Kingsley is a coming of age series that spans the formative teenage years of “Tig”. Over five consecutive summers Tig must face social pressures, spiralling emotions, burning desires and grand disappointments to finally emerge a little more grown up and a little more aware of who she is. Whilst Tig is not overtly living an active Christian life, the series features the young teen externally processing to a replica painting of Pempeo Batoni’s “Sacred Heart” portrait of Jesus that she finds buried beneath a pile of props in her parents' theatre. As Tig grows, her processing becomes clearer, more articulate and better able to empathise. However, whilst Tig’s ongoing processing to a portrait of Jesus carries deeper meanings of the need for God, Tig’s easy, relatable approach allows any reader to enjoy these tender moments of warmth without feeling isolated or preached at.

The Antigone Kingsley series is a perfect companion for girls aged 10 plus going through the highs and lows of growing up. Filled with positive role models, healthy self exploration and fruitful relationships, vulnerability, good humour and a Christian leaning world view, Tig is relatable and a joy to be around. Tig is the imperfect, clumsy, hot headed girl next door who learns to embrace who she is, solve problems and bring sparkle to the world.