A Shower Of Summer Days
by May Sarton
Nomination: National Book Finalist 1953
Date Read: October 10, 2021
Charles and Violet, a childless couple who remain very much in love, return to the mansion Violet grew up in in Ireland. They have been gone for quite some time as Charles completed a diplomatic mission in Burma. The house harkens to a time long-gone by and is itself an imposing structure, worn down by time and neglect.
Just as Charles and Violet are getting settled, Violet’s sister insists on sending her niece, Sally, over. She has fallen hopelessly in love with Ian, an actor deemed unworthy of Sally’s love. The hope is that distance will put their relationship in perspective and cool the feelings Sally is swept up in. But being 21, Sally is capable of intense feeling for everyone, even with a determination to maintain her distance until she is able to leave.
Sally’s presence adds an element of drama where there was once peace. She finds herself attracted to both Violet and Charles – Violet for her beauty and Charles for his stoicism. In one of Ian’s letters, he said he wanted to travel to Ireland for the weekend to see her. Without seeking permission, Sally welcomes him to come.
Ian’s presence adds one more layer of drama. It soon becomes clear that Ian is not there to propose or profess his love for Sally. He finally admits to Violet that he wanted to come Dene’s Court to meet Violet herself, the endless descriptions provided in Sally’s letters too tempting to ignore. I am still unclear if he was hoping to seduce Violet or was merely scratching the itch of curiosity.
Regardless, all of these hiccups cause each one, particularly Violet, to explore their own unrest, perceptions of love and fidelity, and their uncertain futures.
Overall, a very satisfying read and the imagery of resurrecting a household in Ireland made me long for a time that I never even lived in.
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