the_wagonmaster's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
scraunch's review against another edition
5.0
Ahhh loved this so much. Really really sad but moving and sweet, told in such blunt but fun prose. I love her <3
readingundertheradar's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars—I liked it but it’s nothing that was particularly memorable.
queerandweird's review against another edition
4.0
I find myself more curious about the author's life experience than the characters now that I have finished the story. This is not a tale of inspirational lessons from old to young then back again, The Summer Book is more like a story of a small fishing island observing the relationship of a granddaughter and grandmother who are processing the meaning of life. It reads more like a series of essays than a short novel; a breezy and poignant travel read but I wouldn't recommend Jansson just yet.
alisonabridged's review against another edition
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
adelejac85's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
margaweet's review against another edition
emotional
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
librostace's review against another edition
3.0
There is a very painterly quality to this book. The grandmother and granddaughter characters are very amusing. It is filled with life lessons. Things move slowly, like a long summer. Having just read this and "A Month in the Country" - recommendations I had seen on a twitter feed from Amber Sparks
@ambernoelle on Dec 22, 2020 "Tell me about a book that just oozes, just exudes tenderness and sincerity in a way that makes you feel happy and hopeful but is also a just very good book" - I am in the mood for something a little more plot-driven. Other books I have read in the last year that were on that thread are "Plainsong," "News of the World" and "Station 11" and "Writer's & Lover's." Wallace Stegner's "Crossing to Safety" was also highlighted and let me re-recommend that here. Basically, that Twitter thread is excellent. Go find it!
@ambernoelle on Dec 22, 2020 "Tell me about a book that just oozes, just exudes tenderness and sincerity in a way that makes you feel happy and hopeful but is also a just very good book" - I am in the mood for something a little more plot-driven. Other books I have read in the last year that were on that thread are "Plainsong," "News of the World" and "Station 11" and "Writer's & Lover's." Wallace Stegner's "Crossing to Safety" was also highlighted and let me re-recommend that here. Basically, that Twitter thread is excellent. Go find it!
hayleyebloom's review against another edition
5.0
Perfection. Sophia and Grandmother are the ideal duo.