The Solitary Summer

"The Solitary Summer," by Elizabeth von Arnim (author of "Elizabeth and her German Garden) has captivated many. This book is a diary (May-September) of a woman with 3 small babies who wants to spend the entire summer to herself. The first page of "The Solitary Summer" begins. "May 2nd - Last night after dinner, when we were in the garden, I said, "I want to be alone for a whole summer, and get to the very dregs of life. I want to be as idle as I can, so that my soul may have time to grow. Nobody shall be invited to stay with me, and if any one calls they will be told that I am out, or away, or sick. I shall spend the months in the garden, and on the plain, and in the forests. I shall watch the things that happen in my garden, and see where I have made mistakes. On wet days I will go into the thickest parts of the forests, where the pine needles are everlastingly dry, and when the sun shines I'll lie on the heath and see how the broom flares against the clouds. I shall be perpetually happy, because there will be no one to worry me." And so begins "The Solitary Summer," filled with books, the garden, nature, thoughts, and reflections. She also has conversations with her husband, who does not believe she can endure an entire summer without visitors. "The Solitary Summer" is a sweet and relaxing read, just as restful as "Elizabeth and her German Garden." Readers will find it easy to get lost in the beautiful prose and become so removed from my everyday stresses that it seems as if they were meditating instead of reading. "The Solitary Summer" answers the desire that most people have felt, the desire for peace and solitude as so aptly described in this poignant work.