The cicadas have almost cycled through this epic season and I feel as if I’ve lived through something intense when not 2 but 3 broods were courting, mating, molting, and burrowing. Truthfully I overcame profound fear when scooting them off my shoulder became effortless even when they screeched at me. Meanwhile, Summer is in full swing and I hope that you are enjoying yours and have something lovely to read.

It’s taken me a lifetime to discover, “The Summer Book” by Tove Jansson, and I am better for reading this tiny little book that encompasses summer vibes from a Swedish perspective, as well as nature, the power of water, life, death and the challenges in coming of age. I first discovered this book on Anne Patchett’s Instagram feed when she wishes readers a happy Friday and says, “If you haven’t read this book then it’s new to you..” I wasn’t entirely influenced by Anne but I did make note, and then a podcast I listen to, So Many Damn Books, featured “The Summer Book” during the “What did you buy” segment. It was nearing the Summer Solstice and so I bought this lovely gem with the aim to finish on the Solstice—and I did.

Calling Tove Jansson a Swedish author is a misnomer, and calling her an author exclusively does her a great disservice because Jansson is an illustrator, cartoonist, artist and poet as well. Jansson is also Finnish and was transplanted to Sweden by way of a family migration and though lifestyles and language overlaps, growing up outside of her motherland presented challenges and because of this themes of isolation run rampant in her work.

The Summer Book is a set of short stories that function well as chapters but unlike fiction there’s no story arc, time does not move in an obvious continuous manner, but essence and impressions of people build and find states of completeness. The stories mostly center around a young girl and her grandmother as they take their summer on a little island called a skerry. Being so small, one might think that they are vulnerable to the powerful, changing nature of the ocean and they are. The problem-solving this group of Finnish/Swedes use to preserve the natural ecosystem as well as their lives on the skerry is inspiring. Little efforts make a huge difference in how those on the skerry survive.

It is easy to miss that the girl’s mother has died since it’s mentioned once and only during the first pages of the book. After this, readers learn that the grandmother is unwell but dedicated to her granddaughter and they have adventures and learn life lessons but the grandmother’s wellness is in decline. Somehow they maintain a balance as each person deals with the challenges of life and or mortality during the present story moments. It’s quite touching really. Also, inspiring is how the family lives in harmony with traditions and nature as the summer progresses. Friends of sorts come and go and people learn about themselves and others. No one frets over the things that they can’t control. People just live and try to live with intention and purpose. It’s all very simple really.

I laughed, contemplated and cried. I enjoyed the illustrations drawn by Jansson’s hand that were inserted here and there. It’s a small, moving, heavy and light read. Perfect for the summer and people who are drawn to wildness and water to experience peace during the pass of time. It’s backlist so you can find it used—friends I’m keeping mine for an annual read since I’ve been looking for one.

Enjoy!