The Summer Before the Dark
The Summer Before the Dark
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Brief
Beta236
Novel • Fiction
London • 1970s
2002
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Summer Before the Dark, a middle-aged woman embarks on a journey of self-discovery when her husband and children leave for the summer. She confronts her identity and societal roles, experiencing emotional and physical changes. The novel explores themes of personal freedom, gender roles, and self-awareness in the context of a changing life stage.
Contemplative
Emotional
Challenging
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
2,950 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Summer Before the Dark by Doris Lessing is praised for its introspective exploration of identity and aging. Readers appreciate the vivid character development and psychological depth. However, some find the pacing slow and the narrative tone melancholic. Nonetheless, its insightful examination of personal transformation resonates with many.
Who Should Read The Summer Before the Dark?
Readers who enjoy The Summer Before the Dark by Doris Lessing likely appreciate introspective novels about personal transformation. Fans of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway or Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale might find this book compelling, as it examines themes of identity, change, and societal roles.
2,950 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
236
Novel • Fiction
London • 1970s
2002
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!