I have a deep love for the Moomins as many of you may know. I've discussed the Moomins multiple times before, either when talking about the creepy 80s stop motion animation, the retro vinyl soundtrack release or my visit to Moomin World in Finland. I knew that author and the original Moomin artist Tove Jansson was an accomplished journalist and writer but I’d only read her Moomin comics and books. So, when I’d heard that The Summer Book was considered a classic and was much revered I thought I’d give it a whirl.
The Summer Book is a short series of vignettes about a summer life lived on an island. In its opening chapter, an old woman, her son and his small daughter come to a small, craggy island as they do every summer. Whilst there they talk about all manner of things, such as nature, death and swimming. Over the course of the dozen or so tales, the narrative is, by turn, hilarious and deeply moving without ever being mawkish.
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson
There are lots of lovely short tales but a few stuck out to me including :
The Magic Forest: This is a vividly descriptive story about the strange majesty of the forest that exists on the island. I love the language Jansson uses;
'There was a stand of dead forest... All together they formed a tangle of stubborn resignation.... To open a clearing or separate the collapsing trunks might lead to the ruin of the magic forest.'
Berenice: When Sophia invites a new friend to the island she realises that the girl, who is grandly nicknamed Berenice due to her impressive and appearance, is unsuitable for island life as she goes on many adventures in incorrect footwear, clothing and attitude. It's a cute story about how we idolise people and project images onto them that aren't always fair or accurate;
'Her name was Herdice Evelyn, but everyone called her Pipsan. When Pipsan arrived, she was dressed wrong and had shoes with leather soles. She was too well bred and terribly quiet, and her hair was so beautiful it took your breath away.... Pipsan didn't sound aristocratic enough... so we called the child Berenice.'
The Pasture: Grandma and Sophie have a theological debate about God's omnipotence a d Heaven and hell. It's a great exchange as I can see the same questions coming from my daughters too.
' "You can see for yourself that life is hard enough without being punished for it afterwards. We get comfort when we die, that's the whole idea... With the best will in the world I cannot start believing in the Devil at my age. You can believe what you like but you must be tolerant-respecting other people's convictions." '
The Tent- Grandma reflects about her early life as a Scout leader and realises that she has forgotten a lot of the details. It a beautiful and heartfelt ode to growing older and memories half remembered.
'"That's strange. I can't describe things any more. I can't find the words, or maybe it's just that I'm not trying hard enough... Some days I can't remember very well"'
I very much enjoyed the book and felt that it was a deeply humanist and heartfelt piece of work that still resonates today, especially post-Covid. The existential dread and the feeling of isolation many of us suffered may have had a profound impact on our outlook on life’s priorities and this book is perfect to encapsulate what is important in life; appreciating the small moment and being present.
This book is a gift and well worth a read.
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