Summer Crossing
Summer Crossing
Book Brief
Beta142
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1940s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Summer Crossing by Truman Capote follows Grady McNeil, a young woman from a wealthy New York family, who experiences personal transformation during a summer romance while her parents are abroad. The story explores themes of identity, class, and independence as Grady navigates her desires and decisions in a changing post-war society.
Mysterious
Emotional
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
11,141 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Truman Capote's Summer Crossing evokes a vibrant 1940s New York, capturing youthful rebellion and class conflict through its protagonist, Grady McNeil. Critics appreciate its lyrical prose and vivid atmosphere. However, some note the narrative's underdeveloped themes and abrupt pacing. Overall, it's seen as a compelling, albeit imperfect, introduction to Capote’s early work.
Who Should Read Summer Crossing?
Readers who enjoy Summer Crossing by Truman Capote are drawn to post-war New York settings, intricate character studies, and themes of youthful rebellion. Fans of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby will appreciate the novel's exploration of identity and societal constraints.
11,141 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Initially thought to be lost, Summer Crossing was Truman Capote's first novel, which he started writing in the 1940s and was posthumously published in 2005 after manuscripts were rediscovered in the early 2000s.
The manuscript of Summer Crossing was found again among Capote’s belongings when they were auctioned off by one of his house caretakers, turning what was believed to be a lost work into a significant literary publication.
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Truman Capote set Summer Crossing in New York City in the post-World War II era, reflecting his deep personal connection and experiences with the city during that time, which often influenced his later works.
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142
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1940s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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