A review by madeleinen
Summer by Edith Wharton

funny sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I've never read Edith Wharton before so came into this classic with zero background or context (fun!), but I did really enjoy the novel. We have the time-honored tale of a dashing young man from the city swooping the small-town librarian off of her feet, except the librarian hates her job and the young man is definitely a sleaze bag. Charity Royall is quite a protagonist! She's equally ridiculous, pitiably, and relatable.  It was like watching a train crash in slow motion, but I really couldn't tear my eyes away.