The Summer Book
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, published by Sort Of Books in 2003, is a literary work that explores the relationship between an elderly artist and her six-year-old granddaughter as they spend a summer on a small island in the Gulf of Finland. This edition, comprising 172 pages, presents a narrative that captures the essence of summer through the lens of family life and personal connection. The story unfolds as the two characters navigate their fears, whims, and yearnings, revealing a deep love that extends to the island itself.
Readers will find a clear and unsentimental writing style infused with humor and wisdom throughout the book. The narrative is enriched by a foreword from Esther Freud and an afterword by Sophia Jansson, who reflects on her own experiences related to the island during the pandemic. The edition also includes a 15-page epilogue by Sophia Jansson, offering a personal perspective on her return to the island. The Summer Book delves into themes of family life and the beauty of small adventures, making it a reflective exploration of human connections and the natural world.
Official synopsis Publisher
Tove Jansson’s classic, bestselling novel’Distils the essence of summer’ Robert Macfarlane’Magical, life-affirming’ Elizabeth Gilbert The Worldwide Classic about a tiny island and larger love.An elderly artist and her six-year-old grand-daughter while away a summer together on a tiny island in the gulf of Finland. As the two learn to adjust to each other’s fears, whims and yearnings, a fierce yet understated love emerges – one that encompasses not only the summer inhabitants but the very island itself.Written in a clear, unsentimental style, full of brusque humour, and wisdom, The Summer Book is a profoundly life-affirming story. Tove Jansson captured much of her own life and spirit in the book, which was her favourite of her adult novels. With a foreword by Esther Freud and an afterword by Sophia Jansson (on whom the child ‘Sophia’ is based) who returns to the island during the pandemic at the point of becoming a grandmother herself.Includes a 15pp epilogue by Tove’s niece Sophia Jansson – the inspiration for ‘Sophia’ – on a personal and moving return to the island.’Eccentric, funny, wise, full of joys and small adventures. This is a book for life.’ Esther Freud’Tove Jansson was a genius. This is a marvellous, beautiful, wise novel, which is also very funny.’ Philip Pullman
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