Summer

Title	Summer
Author	Edith Wharton
Call Number	PS3545.H16 S86 1998
Location	2nd Floor Humanities
Rating	Recommended
Book Review	Each year, my book group reads a “100 years ago” book, meaning a book published – surprise! – 100 years ago. This year we chose “Summer” by Edith Wharton. This is one of her two New England tales, set in suffocating small towns. Her two main characters here make peace with that, eventually, in a realistic, if not rosy, way. The character of Charity is fascinating and complicated. She brooks no nonsense and dives into an affair even as she is aware of its potential consequences. Wharton’s frank writing shocked readers of the day, understandably. Do not be fooled by the romantic cover illustrations on most editions. There’s a lot brooding under those frilly frocks.
Submitted By	Dawn Bonker
Department or Major	SMC
Status	Staff
Chapman Email	bonker@chapman.edu