The Summer Book

 

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (of Moomin fame) reads like a playful picture book. Jansson's writing is calming, like something intended to keep a child soothed and interested, but also has a tinge of nostalgia in it that is clearly catered for adults. 

The relationship between Sophia and her grandmother is loving, though often surprising (at least to an American) as the two often swap roles and subvert traditional expectations of what a granddaughter and grandmother should behave to one another. When they speak, Sophia (and sometimes the grandmother, too) uses jarring, harsh language that often made me question whether it was intentional or a strange translation choice. She often swears, or "screams" at her grandmother when she disagrees, and displays the selfish cruelty that children have, but are almost never portrayed with, in almost every interaction she has. Grandmother, on the other hand, balances patience with carelessness, seesawing between being Sophia's constant playmate and equal, to her guardian and mentor. 

Overall, it's a pleasant little collection of short vignettes that's perfect for a dreamy summer afternoon spent outside or near a window, close to nature. With Jansson's lovely descriptions of the island, and her adorable illustrations, it's almost certain you'll feel transported to the little Finnish oasis, and to feel your heart rate slow to a pleasanter, calmer, (happier?) tempo.