Summerland

by Michael Chabon
Summerland cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Fantasy
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  • ID: 6449
  • Added: 2025-11-17
  • Updated: 2025-11-17
  • ISBN: 9780007388967
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2013-03-28
  • Reviews: 3

'Summerland' is an unforgettable novel that explores the themes of redemption and the true nature of heroism. The story is crafted by one of America's greatest living storytellers, promising a rich and engaging narrative that will resonate with readers. /n/n The novel is not just about the external adventures of its characters but also about their internal journeys. It challenges the conventional notions of heroism and invites readers to reflect on their own understanding of courage and personal growth.

Reviews
Compulsive Reader · 2004-03-27
engaging 4.00

The blend of worlds in Summerland is seamless, making the distinction between them nearly imperceptible. The narrative's charm and depth keep readers engaged throughout.

The reviewer praises Chabon's ability to interweave the worlds of Summerland and Clam Island so intricately that the boundaries between them blur. This seamless integration enhances the story's appeal, making it a compelling read. The narrative's charm and depth are highlighted, suggesting that the book's strength lies in its imaginative storytelling and the way it captures the reader's attention with its unique blend of fantasy and reality.

Quick quotes

    Chabon has shaken the worlds of Summerland and Clam Island together so thoroughly that the division between them is difficult to discern.

    The narrative's charm and depth keep readers engaged throughout.

    The blend of fantasy and reality is handled with a deft touch.

The Independent · 2002-12-02
overblown 2.00

At 492 pages, the book feels overblown and excessive. The effort put into such a lengthy narrative seems misplaced.

The reviewer criticizes Summerland for its excessive length, noting that the 492-page narrative feels overblown and unnecessarily long. They question the amount of time and effort spent on a story that could have been more concise. Despite this criticism, the reviewer acknowledges that the book has its moments of charm and engaging storytelling, but ultimately feels that the length detracts from its overall impact. The book's ambition is noted, but the execution is seen as lacking.

Quick quotes

    At 492 pages, the real mystery of this overblown saga is how a respected author could have spent so much time and effort over something quite as unnecessary.

    The book's length detracts from its overall impact.

    The narrative has its moments of charm, but the excessive length is a significant drawback.

The New York Times · Michiko Kakutani · 2002-09-16
charming 3.50

The book is long and meandering for adolescent readers but charming for adults. It relies on its fragile charm to sustain the narrative.

Michiko Kakutani notes that Summerland is a lengthy and meandering read, which might not appeal to younger readers. However, she finds it charming from an adult perspective, suggesting that the book's strength lies in its whimsical and endearing qualities. The reviewer acknowledges that the narrative's charm is its primary asset, even if it may not hold the same appeal for all age groups. The book's unique blend of fantasy and reality, along with its charming characters, makes it a noteworthy read.

Quick quotes

    In a book that is long and meandering by adolescent standards and mighty cute by adult ones, Mr. Chabon counts on fragile charm to keep his readers engaged.

    The narrative's charm is its primary asset.

    The book's unique blend of fantasy and reality is both its strength and its weakness.

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