The Gypsy Moth Summer Summary
Julia Fierro

The Gypsy Moth Summer Overview

Fierro's novel is a unique amalgamation of various narratives of the townspeople of Avalon Island, an islet that was infested with gypsy moths in 1992. The book is told from six perspectives spread across dozens of segments that come together to paint one picture. Even so, it focuses on white 16-year old, Maddie Pencott LaRosa and middle-aged black Harvard graduate, Jules. Fierro seamlessly dips into one narrative then juxtaposes it with a dissimilar narrative. Major themes are racism, sex, loss, and oppression as each character struggles with impending change.