A beautiful post, thank you. This morning I was asked what Iād like for my birthday (in August) - this book is now my answer. A reading pleasure ahead. š
Many thanks, I'm really glad you enjoyed the post. I am even happier that you will also soon be reading The Summer Book! Do let me know what you think to it here, I might not always respond to comments immediately, but I do eventually.
(For reference, my wife read the book and didn't love it as much as me, so if you don't, that's fine too--I suspect a part of that might be that she read the English translation, rather than the French, her native tongue, but it is a good reminder that not everyone loves the same things, and that is not a bad thing.)
Fantastic! I really think August is the best month to read it, but I am glad I had the chance to verify this by reading it earlier this year! Let me know what you think, if you have time.
I woke this morning with an intention to shake off the negativity surrounding Substack, Notes and a slide into ā¦ well, forget that - my intention was to re-tune myself to the people in whose company I have relished this space. Matt and Alex are two of those kindred spirits ā¦ curious souls, fine writers, thoughtful humans who are always learning. This collaboration jumped out ā¦ the perfect āstatement of intentā for my selection of what I choose from the shelves of Substack.
My reward, of course, is very fine writing, beautiful thinking, a gentle reflection. A book recommendation, naturally, but one that has the potential to be profound as I wait eagerly for my granddaughter to arrive ā¦ I have been thinking about books we can sit in the hammock and read together. This may not be the one, of course, but the reminder about the importance of our connection is so so timely. First published in 1972, as my gorgeous wife was ā¦ a birthday gift, I feel, particularly as we are heading to Sweden this Autumn (a little beyond the Summer but ready to experience the details of an unfamiliar place.
Alex, fabulous writing, thank you.
Matt, these collaborations are some kind of magic. Keep waving that wand.
Ah, but this brings a big smile to my face. One of the beauties of not being online much over the last months, is that I miss out on any negativity, whether here on Substack, or in general around the world. (Although, I have to say I have also very much missed the positives, too, and find myself yearning for the connection I feel on this platform, I miss my friends!)
I would heartily recommend reading the Moomin tales in the hammock. I think that is a perfect way to share them, a bit Snufkin, perhaps!
When you do read The Summer Book, let me know what you think. I know you have a very full reading schedule this year already, but if you can fit it in this summer, then I think it will benefit your upcoming Swedish adventures.
In other news, I have plans to return here soon, recharged, reinvigorated, with more words and thoughts to share (both fiction and non-). Looking forward to that, but it actually takes a backseat behind catching up with friends like yourself. Thanks for your comment and for sharing this piece, that means a lot to me and I, like you, are so grateful for Matthew's magic too. It was an honour to write these words for him.
I read The Summer Book for the first time earlier this year. I loved the relationship between the granddaughter and grandmother as it reminded me so much of my deep relationship with my own grandmother.
That relationship is just so very real. It, like many powerful and meaningful lessons, is gentle and quiet, yet wise and deep, as you say. Inter-generational relationships carry such an importance to us all, and should never be taken for granted. As I watch my daughter grow, watching her relationships with others is a wonderful thing, full of surprises and all manner of hidden gems.
I just finished listening to this book and am still chewing on it. It is a beautiful story of family, joy, grief and relationship. As a grandmother to two girls and a boy, it touched my heart on so many levels. I deeply appreciate what Alex writes here. This book definitely has a place in my heart now. Thank you!
Many thanks. I think you make an important point here--how we keep ruminating on the book, how it stays with us and keeps popping up at sometimes strange and surprising moments. I love that.
Very well written! I look forward to reading The Summer Book, especially after reading this guest post. What a joy your post was...to sample a taste of the book ; now, I am excited to lose myself in the stories within the book! Thank you, Alex...and thanks, Matt, for sharing these guest posts.
Oh thank you! I am so grateful to Matt for letting me share my thoughts, I don't often write about other writers or works any more, so this was a fun (and very personal) essay to work on.
If you can, let me know what you think to The Summer Book, and which story is your favourite. I am always a bit surprised when I come to the end of the book, as it feels much bigger in my memory, no matter how many times I read it. I suppose that is a part of the magic.
I've read a few of her adult works, but still have a few to source and read. I've yet to find anything I don't enjoy - she really was a superb writer, artist, and thinker. I'm happy you love her work too, which really doesn't surprise me! Very much looking forward to a few years time, when I can read the Moomin stories aloud to Ailsa.
Ooh, no! That's one I've not yet read--I think it was still not translated when last I checked which, looking at the fact it was translated in 2014, was obviously rather a while ago! I need to remedy that. Thanks! And I'm glad you enjoyed this post, even more glad it has reminded you to re-read The Summer Book.
What a beautiful reflection. Thank you, Alex. I read The Summer Book every year at the beach while the tide shuffles in and out around my feet and the sanderlings forage beside me. It doesnāt really feel like summer until Iāve checked in with Sophia and her grandmother.
I hope you enjoy rereading the Moomin books with your daughter. I reread some with mine a few years ago. It really doesnāt get better than sharing your favorite childhood books with your child. They were somehow even better than I remembered. Moominpapaās Memoirs was a favorite.
Oh thank you so much for this wonderful comment. The image of the sanderlings and the tide shuffling in and out is perfect. And I agree, 100%, summer simply would not be summer without Sophia and her grandmother.
I am very much looking forward to reading the Moomin books to Ailsa. I have so many books I want to read with her that I think I really need to start a proper list, lest I lose some from memory. I am a little frustrated, in that the vast majority of my library remains in boxes in Scotland, yet to be sent down here to the Alps. One day, very soon, I hope, that will be remedied, and I'll have my books back. I would often pick up books I had enjoyed as a child when I trawled the charity shops for treasures, but it has been so long without my library now that I can't quite remember what I bought...
Thanks again for your words, I really appreciate them.
Alex, As I said to Matthew, in a moment on his post about this book a while ago, I have resisted buying a new copy of The Summer Book because I have read already Tove Janssonās beautiful, almost hypnotic stories. But, now I read this, your utterly persuasive and eloquent synopsis and I know I will succumb to resistance!
I read all the Moomin tales as a child too Alex, remember each one, perhaps not in detail but certainly the way I felt so captivated with each.
Thank you both, Matthew and Alex for reigniting the magic of a book I loved - I am going now to find myself a copy!
Ah Susie, this makes me happy! I hope you did (or do) give in and buy The Summer Book again. No matter how many times I read it, there is always something new in those words, which is true magic. In many ways the book is like an old friend, some conversations are familiar, cosy, and warm, others familiar yet fresh, and still others feel as though we've never had them before, even if we have.
You should also reread the Moomin books, too, there is much in there which works remarkably well (and intentionally so) for adults, as well as children. Which reminds me, I need to reread Moominvalley in November, in November, and then Moominland Midwinter, in winter. I think they remain my two favourites, which is surprising, given my love of spring and plants and life bursting at the seams, but I find they have many lessons to offer and, in some ways, also seem to listen to my own thoughts, in the way that very special books can do. There are secrets and paths hidden in those words.
Thank you for your words, if you have time, do let me know what you think to The Summer Book now!
I am going to have to dig deep into the barn and all those old boxes of books now Alex, just to hunt out the Moonmin books! I remember the stories and I know I loved themā¦ now I am intrigued to read them as an adult! Finding them may be quite a chore though...
I think it is a chore well worth the time! (And, I suspect, you might find other treasures lurking. I know I can't wait to get my boxes over here and have a good rummage!) They are quite different, read as an adult. In a good way!
Such a pleasure to read this gorgeous reading and exploration of what is one of my all-time favourite books, The Summer Book. I love the idea of reading it a little bit at a time through August. It is a book full of such quiet magic and beauty, as is this post.
Thank you so much for this. A few people tried the August reading method this year, which really made me happy. Because I read it earlier for the purpose of writing this piece, I now feel like I need to read it again already, which is frankly ridiculous.
A beautiful post, thank you. This morning I was asked what Iād like for my birthday (in August) - this book is now my answer. A reading pleasure ahead. š
Many thanks, I'm really glad you enjoyed the post. I am even happier that you will also soon be reading The Summer Book! Do let me know what you think to it here, I might not always respond to comments immediately, but I do eventually.
(For reference, my wife read the book and didn't love it as much as me, so if you don't, that's fine too--I suspect a part of that might be that she read the English translation, rather than the French, her native tongue, but it is a good reminder that not everyone loves the same things, and that is not a bad thing.)
I will let you know Alexander. And of course not every book lands exactly the same for everyone.
I am looking forward to reading this recommendation. August is just around the corner.
Fantastic! I really think August is the best month to read it, but I am glad I had the chance to verify this by reading it earlier this year! Let me know what you think, if you have time.
I woke this morning with an intention to shake off the negativity surrounding Substack, Notes and a slide into ā¦ well, forget that - my intention was to re-tune myself to the people in whose company I have relished this space. Matt and Alex are two of those kindred spirits ā¦ curious souls, fine writers, thoughtful humans who are always learning. This collaboration jumped out ā¦ the perfect āstatement of intentā for my selection of what I choose from the shelves of Substack.
My reward, of course, is very fine writing, beautiful thinking, a gentle reflection. A book recommendation, naturally, but one that has the potential to be profound as I wait eagerly for my granddaughter to arrive ā¦ I have been thinking about books we can sit in the hammock and read together. This may not be the one, of course, but the reminder about the importance of our connection is so so timely. First published in 1972, as my gorgeous wife was ā¦ a birthday gift, I feel, particularly as we are heading to Sweden this Autumn (a little beyond the Summer but ready to experience the details of an unfamiliar place.
Alex, fabulous writing, thank you.
Matt, these collaborations are some kind of magic. Keep waving that wand.
Ah, but this brings a big smile to my face. One of the beauties of not being online much over the last months, is that I miss out on any negativity, whether here on Substack, or in general around the world. (Although, I have to say I have also very much missed the positives, too, and find myself yearning for the connection I feel on this platform, I miss my friends!)
I would heartily recommend reading the Moomin tales in the hammock. I think that is a perfect way to share them, a bit Snufkin, perhaps!
When you do read The Summer Book, let me know what you think. I know you have a very full reading schedule this year already, but if you can fit it in this summer, then I think it will benefit your upcoming Swedish adventures.
In other news, I have plans to return here soon, recharged, reinvigorated, with more words and thoughts to share (both fiction and non-). Looking forward to that, but it actually takes a backseat behind catching up with friends like yourself. Thanks for your comment and for sharing this piece, that means a lot to me and I, like you, are so grateful for Matthew's magic too. It was an honour to write these words for him.
I read The Summer Book for the first time earlier this year. I loved the relationship between the granddaughter and grandmother as it reminded me so much of my deep relationship with my own grandmother.
That relationship is just so very real. It, like many powerful and meaningful lessons, is gentle and quiet, yet wise and deep, as you say. Inter-generational relationships carry such an importance to us all, and should never be taken for granted. As I watch my daughter grow, watching her relationships with others is a wonderful thing, full of surprises and all manner of hidden gems.
I just finished listening to this book and am still chewing on it. It is a beautiful story of family, joy, grief and relationship. As a grandmother to two girls and a boy, it touched my heart on so many levels. I deeply appreciate what Alex writes here. This book definitely has a place in my heart now. Thank you!
Many thanks. I think you make an important point here--how we keep ruminating on the book, how it stays with us and keeps popping up at sometimes strange and surprising moments. I love that.
Very well written! I look forward to reading The Summer Book, especially after reading this guest post. What a joy your post was...to sample a taste of the book ; now, I am excited to lose myself in the stories within the book! Thank you, Alex...and thanks, Matt, for sharing these guest posts.
Oh thank you! I am so grateful to Matt for letting me share my thoughts, I don't often write about other writers or works any more, so this was a fun (and very personal) essay to work on.
If you can, let me know what you think to The Summer Book, and which story is your favourite. I am always a bit surprised when I come to the end of the book, as it feels much bigger in my memory, no matter how many times I read it. I suppose that is a part of the magic.
Thank you so very much for the opportunity to write this piece, Matthew, I am very grateful, and especially so for your lovely introduction.
wonderful -- I love all of Jansson's writing including the memoirs and it's a passion I share with my youngest daughter :)
I've read a few of her adult works, but still have a few to source and read. I've yet to find anything I don't enjoy - she really was a superb writer, artist, and thinker. I'm happy you love her work too, which really doesn't surprise me! Very much looking forward to a few years time, when I can read the Moomin stories aloud to Ailsa.
Yes - reading them to children is the best :)
This was excellent, and has reminded me to re-read The Summer Book. Thank you! Have you read her book of short stories, called The Listener?
Ooh, no! That's one I've not yet read--I think it was still not translated when last I checked which, looking at the fact it was translated in 2014, was obviously rather a while ago! I need to remedy that. Thanks! And I'm glad you enjoyed this post, even more glad it has reminded you to re-read The Summer Book.
What a beautiful reflection. Thank you, Alex. I read The Summer Book every year at the beach while the tide shuffles in and out around my feet and the sanderlings forage beside me. It doesnāt really feel like summer until Iāve checked in with Sophia and her grandmother.
I hope you enjoy rereading the Moomin books with your daughter. I reread some with mine a few years ago. It really doesnāt get better than sharing your favorite childhood books with your child. They were somehow even better than I remembered. Moominpapaās Memoirs was a favorite.
Oh thank you so much for this wonderful comment. The image of the sanderlings and the tide shuffling in and out is perfect. And I agree, 100%, summer simply would not be summer without Sophia and her grandmother.
I am very much looking forward to reading the Moomin books to Ailsa. I have so many books I want to read with her that I think I really need to start a proper list, lest I lose some from memory. I am a little frustrated, in that the vast majority of my library remains in boxes in Scotland, yet to be sent down here to the Alps. One day, very soon, I hope, that will be remedied, and I'll have my books back. I would often pick up books I had enjoyed as a child when I trawled the charity shops for treasures, but it has been so long without my library now that I can't quite remember what I bought...
Thanks again for your words, I really appreciate them.
Alex, As I said to Matthew, in a moment on his post about this book a while ago, I have resisted buying a new copy of The Summer Book because I have read already Tove Janssonās beautiful, almost hypnotic stories. But, now I read this, your utterly persuasive and eloquent synopsis and I know I will succumb to resistance!
I read all the Moomin tales as a child too Alex, remember each one, perhaps not in detail but certainly the way I felt so captivated with each.
Thank you both, Matthew and Alex for reigniting the magic of a book I loved - I am going now to find myself a copy!
Ah Susie, this makes me happy! I hope you did (or do) give in and buy The Summer Book again. No matter how many times I read it, there is always something new in those words, which is true magic. In many ways the book is like an old friend, some conversations are familiar, cosy, and warm, others familiar yet fresh, and still others feel as though we've never had them before, even if we have.
You should also reread the Moomin books, too, there is much in there which works remarkably well (and intentionally so) for adults, as well as children. Which reminds me, I need to reread Moominvalley in November, in November, and then Moominland Midwinter, in winter. I think they remain my two favourites, which is surprising, given my love of spring and plants and life bursting at the seams, but I find they have many lessons to offer and, in some ways, also seem to listen to my own thoughts, in the way that very special books can do. There are secrets and paths hidden in those words.
Thank you for your words, if you have time, do let me know what you think to The Summer Book now!
I am going to have to dig deep into the barn and all those old boxes of books now Alex, just to hunt out the Moonmin books! I remember the stories and I know I loved themā¦ now I am intrigued to read them as an adult! Finding them may be quite a chore though...
I think it is a chore well worth the time! (And, I suspect, you might find other treasures lurking. I know I can't wait to get my boxes over here and have a good rummage!) They are quite different, read as an adult. In a good way!
Such a pleasure to read this gorgeous reading and exploration of what is one of my all-time favourite books, The Summer Book. I love the idea of reading it a little bit at a time through August. It is a book full of such quiet magic and beauty, as is this post.
Thank you so much for this. A few people tried the August reading method this year, which really made me happy. Because I read it earlier for the purpose of writing this piece, I now feel like I need to read it again already, which is frankly ridiculous.
Thanks again, I really appreciate your words.