The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

“An elderly artist and her six-year old grand-daughter, while away a summer together on a tiny island in the gulf of Finland.  Gradually, the two learn to adjust to each other’s fears, whims and yearnings on independence, and a fierce yet understated love emerges – one that encompasses not only the summer inhabitants but the island itself, with its mossy rocks, windswept firs and unpredictable seas.”

 

This is the first book I have read by Tove Jansson but I know her from writing the Moomins so I was excited to see what sort of grown up book she would write and I was not disappointed.  She writes with such vivid prose that you are instantly transported to the little island where she had similar experiences with her family.  The story is all about the bond between grandmother and Sophia, sometimes they love each other, sometimes they can’t stand each other but more often than not there is always humour at the core of their relationship.  This is not a long book but Tove Jansson manages to delve into such varied subjects from death and questions about heaven to how an angleworm feels when he is split in half!  I have to say that this is one of the best books I have read this year.  It is really easy to read and I love a book where you find yourself smiling as you read it.  Go on I urge you pick up a copy today.