2007-10

The Book: The Summer Book
Author: Tove Jansson
Publisher: Sort of Books (Penguin)
ISBN: 0-9542217-1-0
RRP: £6.99
B R
Tove Jansson (1914-2001) is a
Finnish author known by many in
the UK for her Moomin books,
which many children have
enjoyed.
The Summer Book is an
English translation of one of ten
novels that she wrote for adults
and is regarded in Scandinavia
as a modern classic. This is an
easy-to-read book about an
elderly artist and her six-year-old
granddaughter, and their
experience of summer holidays
on a tiny island in the gulf of
Finland.
The two of them, in different
ways, learn and grow and mature
through their time on the island.
They learn to adjust to each
others whims and fears, and
come to appreciate more the
beauty of the island, the climate, the
weather and the seasons. There are
some interesting reflections on life,
love, faith, family life and nature.
If you are looking for action, this is
not the book for
you. This is a
gentle book—a
collection of
mini-stories and
reflections on
simple summer
experiences.
Jansson
captures much
of her own childhood in the book, and it
is said that this was her favourite of the
novels she wrote for adults.
Esther Freud, reviewing the book
describes it as ‘eccentric, funny, wise,
full of joys and small adventures. This
is a book for life’. I agree - so buy it for
a one of those lazy weeks or weekends.
Its 172 pages do not take long to read.
You will enjoy it and feel that, by sharing
in their stories, you have (just a little)
grown and matured.
Matthew Porter
(Vicar - St Chad’s Church Sheffield)
St Chads Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats
email: office@stchads.org
Church Offices: 15 Camping Lane, Sheffield S8 0GB Page 24 web site: stchads.org
Tel: (0114) 274 5086