The plot of The Summer I Turned Pretty centers on Isabel "Belly" Conklin's pivotal summer at Cousins Beach, a place that has been her family's annual retreat and the backdrop for her friendships with the Fisher brothers. This particular summer marks a significant turning point in Belly's life, as she navigates blossoming romances, enduring friendships, and profound self-discovery.
The Core Premise
The story follows Isabel "Belly" Conklin as she is on the cusp of turning sixteen. Her annual summer tradition involves reuniting with her mother's best friend, Susannah Fisher, and Susannah's two sons, Jeremiah and Conrad. A central element of the narrative is Belly's long-standing, deep-seated crush on Conrad, the older Fisher brother, which has persisted since she was ten years old. This summer, however, the dynamics between Belly and the brothers begin to shift in unexpected ways, leading to complex romantic entanglements and emotional growth.
Belly's Evolving Summer
Each summer spent at Cousins Beach has been a cherished routine for Belly, a time filled with carefree moments and the familiarity of old friends. This year, the innocence of childhood summers begins to give way to the complexities of adolescence. Belly finds herself no longer just the "little sister" figure to Conrad and Jeremiah.
Key aspects of the evolving summer include:
- Coming-of-Age: Belly experiences significant personal development, grappling with her identity, desires, and the challenges of growing up.
- Romantic Awakening: What began as a childhood crush transforms into a more serious romantic pursuit, not only with Conrad but also with Jeremiah, who also harbors feelings for Belly. This creates a central love triangle that drives much of the series' drama.
- Family Dynamics: The strong bond between the Conklin and Fisher families is a cornerstone of the plot. Their shared history and traditions at Cousins Beach provide a backdrop for both joy and sorrow, as they confront personal struggles and life-altering events together.
Key Characters and Their Roles
The narrative unfolds through the perspectives and interactions of its central characters:
| Character | Role in the Plot |
|---|---|
| Isabel "Belly" Conklin | The protagonist, whose coming-of-age journey and romantic awakening form the core of the story. |
| Conrad Fisher | The older Fisher brother, Belly's long-time crush, and a source of emotional complexity. |
| Jeremiah Fisher | The younger Fisher brother, Belly's close friend, who also develops feelings for her. |
| Susannah Fisher | The matriarch of the Fisher family and Belly's mother's best friend; her health issues significantly impact all characters. |
| Laurel Conklin | Belly's mother, Susannah's best friend, who navigates her own challenges alongside her daughter's. |
Themes Explored
The Summer I Turned Pretty delves into several universal themes:
- First Love and Heartbreak: The series explores the exhilaration and pain of young love, as Belly navigates her feelings for both Conrad and Jeremiah.
- Friendship and Family Bonds: The enduring friendships between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah, as well as the deep connection between their mothers, highlight the importance of chosen family.
- Loss and Grief: As the story progresses, characters confront difficult realities, including illness and loss, which test their resilience and relationships.
- Identity and Self-Discovery: Belly's journey is fundamentally about understanding who she is and what she wants, independent of the boys or family expectations.
This summer at Cousins Beach becomes a crucible for Belly, transforming her from a hopeful young girl into a young woman grappling with the complexities of love, loss, and maturity.
Find out more about The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video
