In the midst of filming the Netflix adaptation of Carley Fortune’s book “This Summer Will Be Different,” viewers can anticipate captivating views of P.E.I.’s iconic landscapes. Tourism P.E.I. has revealed artistically crafted benches by Mel Burke of Black Cat Woodcraft at key locations from the popular novel, aiming to offer a unique literary tourism experience that honors the Island’s natural beauty and communities.
The benches, designed to seamlessly blend in with the coastal surroundings, echo the shapes of sand dunes, waves, and beaches, aiming to harmonize with the coastal architecture. These benches are set to establish a growing literary trail, reinforcing the connection between the narrative and its inspiring locales.
The initial benches have been placed at Basin Head Provincial Park and Point Prim Lighthouse, with plans for two more installations soon. In Fortune’s story, protagonist Lucy Ashby encounters Felix “Wolf” Clark during her P.E.I. vacation. Despite Felix being her best friend Bridget’s younger brother, Lucy finds it challenging to avoid him on her recurrent trips to the island.
Crafted from cedar and featuring seats on both sides, the benches encourage organic interactions between individuals sitting across from each other, reminiscent of a romantic “meet cute” theme from the book. Mel Burke shared that the project cost approximately $7,000 and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her creativity through these installations.
As Tourism P.E.I. collaborates with Carley Fortune to identify more fitting locations for these thematic benches, the initiative continues to celebrate the novel’s essence and promote literary exploration on the Island.
