Summer of the Seventeenth Doll
Summer of the Seventeenth Doll
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1955
Book Brief
114
Play • Fiction
Melbourne, Australia • 1950s
1955
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in Melbourne, Australia in 1953, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll by Ray Lawler tells the story of Olive Leech's tradition of summering with two sugarcane cutters during the layoff season. It is the 17th year that Arthur "Barney" Ibbot and Olive's boyfriend Reuben "Roo" Webber have come to stay with her, but this summer proves to be less care-free than the others.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,095 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Summer of the Seventeenth Doll by Ray Lawler is widely praised for its authentic portrayal of Australian working-class life and complex character development. Critics appreciate its emotional depth and themes of change and disillusionment. However, some feel the pacing lags and the ending lacks resolution. Overall, it’s celebrated for its impactful storytelling and cultural significance.
Who Should Read Summer of the Seventeenth Doll?
Readers who relish in post-war dramas exploring complex human emotions and relationships, akin to Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, will appreciate Ray Lawler's Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. They enjoy character-driven narratives that delve into themes of change, aging, and the tension between idealism and reality.
1,095 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
114
Play • Fiction
Melbourne, Australia • 1950s
1955
Adult
18+ years
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