161 reviews for:

A Song for Summer

Eva Ibbotson

3.82 AVERAGE

bass461's review against another edition

2.0

I found this book a little difficult to follow. I felt as if it jumped around quite a bit. It jumped forward in time and then went back in time to explain what was going on. The ending was a bit rushed and tied up a bit to neatly. Not a must read but if you have time it may be worth a try.

gcgould94's review against another edition

4.0

I thought this book was.....interesting. I can honestly say that they did a good job of mixing actual events around pre-WWII with some fictional characters. I also thought that the romance element in this story was also very nicely put in. It is about an eighteen year old girl named Ellen, who travels to the Hallendorf school in Austria to assume a post as the matron to the children. She soon realizes that she has gone to a school that is not what it seems. The school specializes in drama and performing arts, but, among other things, it also contains, wild hordes of children, a biology professor who swims naked in the lake three times a day, a tortoise with its two back legs missing, and a handsome fencing teacher and gardener, named Marek, who Ellen is instantly attracted too.
Marek, however, has a dangerous mission to complete. His Jewish friend, who is a composer, has been taken away to a concentration camp. It is up to Marek to rescue him. But there are more secrets than Ellen could possibly imagine. Only when she finds them out, does she realize the danger there new love will face, and she will have to make an important decision regardiung the future of her and her love.

emilyom's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated

5.0

Somehow manages to be utterly delightful - warm, funny, romantic and hopeful, but also very chilling (especially in light of current European & world politics).

m_a_j's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Antisemitism and War

Moderate: Infidelity and Misogyny

Minor: Death of parent

nursays's review

adventurous lighthearted slow-paced

3.5

I saw a review that bemoaned Ellen's 'Mother Teresa' nature and claimed Marek had no personality whatsoever. I disagree highly with both these points.

Ellen's love for domesticity should not be frowned upon because it's what she wanted and if she wants to take care of others, that's her business. You see her resolve too in moments where things are going wrong, her exhaustion when she thinks life has dealt her a heavy hand, her irritation and anger at silliness and injustices. She's a person, just like any other. Marek, on the other hand, is just about the coolest person ever. Not only is a musical protege, he's involved in rescuing people from the conflict, and is lying low at a rambunctious children's school, practically hero-worshipped by all. You can see from the start why they'd be perfect together and up till the 80% mark the story really was perfect.

But then

Ellen married Kendrick out of the goodness of her heart, Marek left her behind to chase vengeance, they had a chance encounter and Ellen cheated on Kendrick during which Marek says 'you're mine'... like what the actual fuck?? she was yours, buddy, but you gave her up. then Kendrick conveniently has been cheating for some time too which frees Ellen up to ride into the sunset with Marek??? I understand the hatred for third act breakups now.

. This was so unnecessary and could've been accomplished in a number of different ways. This just ruined my enjoyment of the entire story.

alysev's review against another edition

3.0

Maybe a 2.5 is a more accurate reflection of how much I liked this book, but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt. It's an ambivalent "liked it." There were some great components: a strange, but largely good cast of characters; an intriguing setting in Austria and England just before, during, and just after WWII. It just didn't come together into a fully pleasing whole. That said, I will definitely read more by Ibbotson. I suspect I'll find plenty by her to like.

250sharon613's review against another edition

4.0

I needed a book like this. Everyone was so nice. You had a feeling there would be a happy ending. I've been reading some pretty heavy stuff lately, so this was a nice break.

laura_clark48's review against another edition

5.0

Loved this book. Full of history from the time when Hitler was beginning his takeover of Austria. Plus, it follows a teacher- so it's right up my alley.

heleneathene's review against another edition

4.0

I loved it! The atmosphere of the school, the characters and the love drama! This is the First World War II romance book I’ve read I think and it’s so beautiful yet so devastating. Only Eva manages to create so wonderful settings only to destroy them on the next page to bring you back to the ground of reality.
I really want to give Ellen a hug, and marek too. Such an iconic book husband. Hanging/Throwing Nazis out of windows? 11/10.

kellyjreads's review against another edition

5.0

i just finished rereading all five of the ibbostson romances and WHY DID I DO THAT TO MYSELF?! *sobbing* they're just so *sniffling* beautiful <3 <3 <3