The Blurb:
“A new Englander of humble origins, Charity Royall is swept into a torrid love affair with an artistically inclined young man from New York City, but her dreams of a future with him are thwarted. A bold, provocative work, SUMMER was an immediate sensation when first published in 1917 and still stands as one of Wharton’s greatest achievements.”
(source: Goodreads.com)
What I thought:
It’s some book that can make you dislike a character but yet fall for her over time, that can make you never want to live in a forgotten little backwater town like that while all the time making you feel the sun on your face, marvel at the butterflies and smell the flowers on the mountain. Very clever.
Summer is the story of Charity Royall, a girl who was born on The Mountain – a place that is scorned and avoided by the residents of North Dormer, and adopted by a Lawyer and his wife who are childless. When Mrs Royall dies, Charity is left alone with the Lawyer who seems unable to connect with her.
Anxious to have some independence so that she can escape, Charity becomes the town librarian, a part-time job which gives her a small amount of her own money. There she encounters Lucius Harney, the nephew of one of the town’s leading citizens. His interest in Charity soon develops into affection and then passion, and the two become lovers, a relationship which quickly develops complications as Charity falls in love and longs to escape the village. What ensues is a tale of heartbreak and resignation, with Charity’s adopted father playing a far larger part in the book than is sometimes comfortable.
While the themes of this book are pretty bleak (highlighting how little control over her life a young lady had back in the early 20th century), the book is not unpleasant to read. Wharton’s prose is delicious but yet her characters are unsentimental (and in most cases not very likable). What I love about a book is when I feel I am there in the middle of it – I can see, hear and smell all around me, I can feel the heat and shiver in the cold – Summer did this to me.
The only other book I have read by Wharton is Ethan Frome and that book is in my top 10 of all time – I just love it! Have you read any Wharton? Which ones did you enjoy and which one should I read next?
Summer is indeed one of those books that stays with you.
It is, Gabriele – I actually read it last year with the Vics group (even though it’s not a vic book) but it has stayed with me which is why I posted my review on here today.
Yes, I enjoyed Summer as well. I really enjoyed The Custom of the Country. The MC, Undine, is awful but so it’s fun to read what she does to people.
I like the sound of that book, Chris, despite Undine – it does sound like fun.
I just read and reviewed The House of Mirth and absolutely loved it! It was my first time reading Wharton, and I’m kicking myself that I waited so long to read her work! I downloaded Summer onto my iPhone from iBooks, and I also just picked up The Buccaneers. I’ve heard so much about The Age of Innocence as well, so it sounds like almost every book of hers is fantastic!
Natalie, I saw your review of House of Mirth (thought I’d commented, sorry if not) and LOVED it! It made me want to read the book right now but I have just picked something else up.
Ethan Frome is one of my all time favourite books – so bleak but I adored it. I need to read some more of hers soon too.
You will love The House of Mirth — let me know what you think of it!!
Ooh, I want to read it! What edition do you have – I’ve only seen the Penguin edition with a boring cover in local bookshops. That cover is lovely. House of Mirth is my absolute favourite Wharton.
You can get this edition from Amazon – the cover is gorgeous isn’t it?
Oh I love Wharton! This one might make it on to my list of books to read while I am in America – it sounds wonderful. I love how descriptive Wharton is, and how she can make the most hateful characters sympathetic!
Ooh, what are you doing in America? Yes, she does have a way of drawing you in despite unsavoury characters, doesn’t she?
This sounds like an amazing book- I wished the review never ended!
I have to get this before the “summer” ends, thanks Boof.
Thanks Lua, what a lovely thing to say. I hope you enjoy – I’m sure you’d appreciate the prose at least.
I also love Ethan Frome! It’s one of those stories that has really stuck with me. I can’t wait to read more Edith Wharton, I think House of Mirth is next, and in the near future.
Hurray! I haven’t found too many people that love Ethan Frome yet. It still resonates with me all this time later – it’s one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read.
The only one I’ve read is also Ethan Frome, and like you I loved it. I’ve been told before that this might be a good place to go next, and I’m very very tempted… the theme definitely appeals to me.
I hope you like it, Ana – somthing tells me you will.
I really enjoyed Ethan Frome but haven’t read any others.
this is a short novella like Ethan Frome, Steph.
Adding Summer to my wishlist!
I love Ethan Frome too and have also read The Age of Innocence. One of Wharton’s short stories, “Roman Fever”, is exceptionally good (it was in the Persephone Biannually).
Cool, Claire. Hope you enjoy.
I have heard great things about Roman Fever actually, so I must read that soon too.
Definitely recommend The House of Mirth. Very good and very tragic. I like your review of Summer, I’ll look for it.