The Summer Book (New York Review Books Classics) Paperback – May 20, 2008

This is a charming book. My daughter in law is from Finland. She recommended I read this book, and I am so glad I did. You will know more about Finland and the way people view their world having read The Summer Book.

This will bring it all back.

if you’ve ever been to Iceland or Finland you will enjoy this book. Also go see the movie with Glenn Close. It’s amazing.

Any time an author relives pieces of their childhood, the chances are there for the reader to find parallels and get pulled back to their past. This is a book that I love and family and friends MAY receive it, if they’re lucky!!!

A slow, moving, thoughtful, beautiful novel that uses an interestingly deceptively simple narrative. If you like thought-provoking, pretty writing without a lot of plot or forward momentum this book is for you. The summer book moves like a long, hot slow summer, that sizzles below the surface.

"The Summer Book" is a feel-good book that is equal parts sympathy and sincerity. A grandmother has taken on the care for her granddaughter Sophia. The mother is not spoken of and we are to assume she's passed away. The father "Papa" is a comforting background presence; working around the house but never involved in the dialogue.This is a sweet story, with poignant moments of an older woman caring for the island in northern Finland where they live each summer and now sharing that with her granddaughter. It avoids sap and over sentimentality but is hardly devoid of joy, love and some side splitting funny scenes. I will not soon forget the grandmother leading Sophia on an exploration of the new neighbor's house and fleeing to avoid detection.Their relationship is real. They play cards (both cheating we are told). They argue about god. Sophia wonders how god hears all the prayers if he's so busy. "He's very smart" answers the grandmother but when Sophia further questions her further "He has secretaries..." she is told. The grandmother shows her the life in flowers and clouds and small animals. Sophia hears the word "bloody" and suddenly everything is "bloody this" and "bloody that". The grandmother first asks her where these harsh words are coming from and then uses them herself! They both love the natural world around them and using their imagination.It's a simple story that really is just a collection of vignettes of their summer together. The odd friends that come by, the cat, the storm, the neighbor but all that is used to show a grandmother giving the a granddaughter her unconditional devotion.

A favorite Summer read for many people.But it has a dark side to it as well.A Grandmother, knowing she is approaching her death, and her 6 year old granddaughter.On an island on the east side of Finland during the summer. The father/son is there too (wife/mother is dead), but plays a background role only (hmm, while he also fishes, what is his work at the desk all day long during just about every day they are there???). First published in Finland in 1972, the time frame is somewhat vague - post-War is about the closest I could come up with here. (Jansson was born in 1914.)Both the girl and the woman have wise mouths, and are not hesitant to voice their opinions. One too young to know any better, one too old to care.Rather charming, but in a dark Grimms' Fairy Tales kind of way as well.Jansson is better known in Europe for her Moomintroll cartoons.The odd thing is, while I really enjoyed this, it does not make me want to go and read more of Jansson's adult work.I look through the Contents, and there is not a story I did not enjoy. But maybe the "sausage", storm, and Venice stories are my favorites.4.5 out of 10.Even though very Scandinavian, it can provide even those of us who are citizens of the US with a bit of nostalgia for Summer as a child.

This is a 'one sitting' novel and I relished every written page. Lovely even as it seems to have been written as a homage and metaphor to a lost loved-one. Perfect summer escapism. Highly recommend.