The Summer Book cover art

The Summer Book

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About this listen

On a pristine island in the Gulf of Finland, six-year-old Sophia is awakening to life, while her wise yet cranky grandmother is contemplating its end. This unlikely duo becomes each other's perfect companions for a season of unforgettable adventures.

From crafting boats out of bark to creating their own miniature Venice, they explore their island world with youthful curiosity and aged wisdom. Along the way, they tackle the universal questions that captivate young and old: What is life and death? What is the nature of love and God?

In this enchanting tale, Jansson crafts a world that is a microcosm of life's joys and sorrows, making The Summer Book a season you'll never want to end.

Finnish-Swedish writer and artist Tove Jansson (1914-2001) is globally cherished for creating the Moomin universe. Born in Helsinki, her tales of the Moomins captivated readers worldwide. Beyond Moominvalley, she penned profound adult novels, most notably The Summer Book.

©2024 © et (P) Saga Egmont (P)2024 © et (P) Saga Egmont Classics Family Life Genre Fiction Feel-Good
All stars
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Loved the philosophical elements to the discussion.
How grandmother and Sophia both complimented each other’s stage in life and also clashed with each other

The descriptions of nature and weather The dialogue between grandma and Sophia.

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Thank you Julie and Tove. The reading by Julie Walters brings the work alive and the whole effect is captivating really. I loved it.

So precious.

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Well written and beautifully performed.
A deeply layered book and philosophical listen that will stay with you long after you’ve finished listening.

Poignant, bittersweet book and great performance.

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I adore Tove Jansson's writing style, it's clever and witty and highlights all of our human awkwardness, love and quirks. They can be strange, while reminiscent and relevant. Thought provoking and full human experiences and annoyances. The character of the Grandmother is wonderful. Hiding for a cigarette while she was supposed to be perched on a blanket, under a parasol. Dealing with her granddaughters fears, and adolescent woes with love, fondness and a touch of tough resilience. Julie Walters brought this to life. I have read all of TJ's short stories and you get an idea of how it would sound. This was better than I could have imagined. Read so beautifully, it was colourful and she brought the characters to life. I loved every minute of this short story and would highly recommend.

Wonderful Tove Jansson Short Story, read so warmly

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Simple and evocative portrayal on a summer on an island in Finland. A child and her grandmothers adventures told feelingly.

Sympathetic and careful narration of these beautiful tales

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