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“The Solitary Summer” (1899) is Elizabeth von Arnim’s lyrical account of a summer devoted to solitude, gardening, reading, and reflection, offering readers a meditative blend of nature writing, wit, and personal philosophy.
Main Category: Memoir & Autobiographical
Sub-Categories: Diary & Journal | Marriage & Family | Nature
About the Book:
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The Solitary Summer
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…”
The Solitary Summer, first published in 1899, is the enchanting sequel to Elizabeth and Her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim, a beloved writer of wit, insight, and quiet rebellion.
In this gentle, diary-style narrative, Elizabeth chronicles a summer she hopes to spend in peaceful solitude, surrounded by nature, books, and flowers—only to find that life, and family, don’t always allow for such plans.
Through luminous prose and vivid garden imagery, von Arnim captures the emotional richness of solitude, the subtle joys of domestic life, and the wry humor of navigating one’s own desires amid societal expectations.
Both introspective and lighthearted, this timeless memoir of a woman’s inner world continues to captivate readers over a century later.
It’s a charming and insightful journey into the heart of a woman seeking freedom and truth amidst the verdant beauty of summer, offering a delightful escape for modern readers.
Faithfully republished here in its original form, this beautifully formatted edition of The Solitary Summer preserves the original text, immersing readers in the rich language and societal nuances of the Victorian era.
Special Features:
Crafted with care and formatted with attention to detail, this edition offers a luxurious reading experience designed for your comfort and enjoyment.
Printed in a clear, easy-to-read 12-point font with generous margins on cream paper, it provides a visually pleasing and immersive journey through the pages.
Beautifully bound with a captivating cover design, this book is one to treasure—a timeless classic you will enjoy for years to come!
About the Author:
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Elizabeth von Arnim
Elizabeth von Arnim (1866–1941), born Mary Annette Beauchamp, was an Australian-born English novelist best known for Elizabeth and Her German Garden and The Enchanted April.
Her witty, insightful stories explore women’s inner lives, often set against lush natural backdrops. Married to a German count and later connected with notable figures like H.-G. Wells and Bertrand Russell’s family, von Arnim drew on a remarkable life for inspiration.
Her novels remain timeless blends of humor, candor, and elegant prose.
