Book Review: A Perfect Fit for Summer

The Summer Book by Swedish author Tove Jansson tells the story of Sophia, a six year-old girl, and her elderly grandmother as they spend a summer on a small island near the Gulf of Finland during the late 1960’s. Simple and provoking, the novel is filled with subtleties for the reader to interpret.

Through the course of twenty two distinct vignettes, Jansson explores the subjects of loss and renewal as Sophia grapples with the death of her mother and understanding of the natural world. Through Sophia and her grandmother’s interactions and memories, Jansson tells the story in a perspective that is sincere and sympathetic. Sophia’s father is primarily absent from the novel’s foreground as he fades in and out of the narrative of the novel, providing moments of joy and humour.

The novel is unrushed and subtle as they explore the beauty of the Finnish island forest. There, the two carve boats using driftwood and branches and create a miniature Venice in a bog. In these explorations, Sophia contemplates the answers to life. In describing worms that become split in two, she declares, “Nothing is easy when you might come apart in the middle at any moment.” In the interactions between the two main characters, Sophie’s playful and bold attitude is countered by her grandmother’s quiet wisdom and patience.

The novel is written with beautiful and delicate language. Despite the lack of a key narrative direction, it is brought together by the expressions of love: of nature, of beauty, and of family.

The Summer Book is the perfect read to begin one’s summer after a busy school year. Jansson’s classic invites its readers to pause and to truly appreciate the beauty of life itself.