Tove Jansson
1972
Around 175 pages
The Summer Book is the perfect choice for those of us who are obsessed with reading seasonally appropriate novels. As such, I would recommend delaying this novel for nine months. Although I guess the quintessential beach read is a bit sexier than this, considering our main character is an elderly grandmother.
Our leading lady spends the summer with her granddaughter Sophia. Not much happens. Jansson's point was that the two types of people capable of slowing down and pondering the big questions are the very young and the very old. With the wisdom of age and the acceptance of youth, it feels like at least some understanding can be reached.
So it makes for a happy, if not particularly thrilling, afternoon of reading on a hot day. You can tell Jansson was a gifted children's book author as well, from the respect she pays to a child's intellect. And her descriptions of the outdoors definitely put me in a summery mood, so mission accomplished I guess.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts:
A film adaptation is in the works starring Glenn Close.
UP NEXT: The Breast by Philip Roth
UP NEXT: The Breast by Philip Roth
1 comment:
I love this idea of the quietness of the old with the young. I am intrigued and will read it. Thank you for these reviews! So many books I would never have been exposed to!
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