The Summer Book

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 Janssoncaptured 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.

Tove Jansson

"'The Summer Book is a marvellously uplifting read, full of gentle humour and wisdom.' Justine Picardie, Daily Telegraph '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"