Summertime Readings
Four books that capture the essence of summer through the natural scenery or holiday expeditions.
Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
During the late years of the 19th century, three hypochondriac friends wish to take a break from their tiresome everyday lives and decide to go on a boat trip in the Thames. While writing this book, Jerome intended for it to serve as a travel guide, although it ended up being more than just an expedition, since it is filled with side anecdotes and a humorous tone. I would recommend using a map while reading the book; following their journey from one place to another (as they did several stops) can offer a higher immersive reading experience, especially if one is not so familiar with this side of England.
One Fine Day by Mollie Panter-Downes
Just after WWII has ended, Stephen Marshall returns back to his home and his family. Together with Laura, his wife, and Victoria, their daughter, they try to remember how their life was before the war. Although memories come back of people who are no longer with them, they need to move on and hold on to a brighter future. The title of the book describes perfectly the entirety of it; we get to experience one day in the lives of several people in an English village, where the sun shines again and the summer temperatures are high. It is an interesting combination of historical fiction and meditative writing, offering some beautiful passages of humans' depth and natural descriptions.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Aciman's story follows Elio, an adolescent boy, during his summer, family vacation in the Italian Riviera. Eventually, they receive Oliver, an American student who sojourns in their house, while working with Elio's father. During these weeks, as Elio's and Oliver's relationship develops, the former goes through several changes, discovering for the first time emotional layers that desire and other powerful feelings awake. Once they realize that Oliver's short stay will serve as the only proof that their passion for each other once existed, they strive to spend the time left in the best way possible.
The Fortnight in September by R.C. Sherriff
Leaving this book as last was intentional, since as the title suggests, summer is technically fading out, offering its place to the first rains and the chilly winds of autumn. However, for the Stevens family it is the moment to forget about everything and just take a break from whatever each one of them is going through. For the past twenty years they have been going to the same place at the same period of time to spend their vacation nearby the sea. Not much happens; the plot is not intense, yet the writing is elegant, gentle, and leaves the reader with a bittersweet feeling of nostalgia.
Note: No AI was used to write this post.