A CLASSIC – AND A BESTSELLER (100,00 COPIES IN THE UK)

An elderly artist and her six-year-old grand-daughter while away a summer together on a tiny island in the gulf of Finland. As the two learn to adjust to each other’s fears, whims and yearnings, a fierce yet understated love emerges – one that encompasses not only the summer inhabitants but the very island itself.

Written in a clear, unsentimental style, full of brusque humour, and wisdom, The Summer Book is a profoundly life-affirming story. Tove Jansson captured much of her own life and spirit in the book, which was her favourite of her adult novels. This new edition, with a Foreword by Esther Freud, sees the return of a European literary gem – fresh, authentic and deeply humane.

Further reviews

“A marvellous book … the prose is sublime.’ Murrough O’Brien, Independent on Sunday

“It’s hard to describe the astonishing achievement of Jansson’s artistry … a perfection of the small, quiet read.” The Guardian (Book of the Week)

“Jansson was a genius, a woman of profound wisdom and great artistry, and this is a book to treasure.” Philip Pullman

“Every so often, a book is published that captures something in us … The Summer Book is one of those.” Rachel Simhon, The Daily Telegraph