57 pages • 1 hour read
The Summer Book
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Book Brief
172
Novel • Fiction
Finnish Archipelago • 1970s
1972
Adult
13+ years
Super Short Summary
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson is a series of 22 vignettes set on an island in the Gulf of Finland, featuring six-year-old Sophia and her grandmother as they navigate everyday activities and the complexities of their relationship. The novel tenderly explores themes of loss, healing, aging, and the special bond between grandparent and grandchild through their shared experiences and imaginative adventures.
Contemplative
Serene
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
48,524 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson is praised for its evocative portrayal of nature and the tender relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Reviewers commend the lyrical prose and quiet, contemplative narrative. However, some find the plotless style slow and uneventful, which may not suit all readers. Overall, it’s highly regarded for its emotional depth and serene atmosphere.
Who Should Read The Summer Book?
A reader who enjoys The Summer Book by Tove Jansson likely appreciates contemplative, character-driven narratives set in nature. Similar readers might enjoy the reflective storytelling found in Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring or the nuanced human connections in Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf.
48,524 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
172
Novel • Fiction
Finnish Archipelago • 1970s
1972
Adult
13+ years
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