The Summer Without Men by Siri Hustvedt attracted me first by its title. Then I came to enjoy it for its fresh writing and poetic narrative.

Poet Mia Fredricksen is fresh out of the hospital after a breakdown caused by the departure of her husband of 30 years for a younger woman, referred to as “The Pause.” She spends the summer back in her hometown with her mother and 5 elderly women, as well a a group of 7 young pre-teen girls enrolled in her poetry class. All these women, young and old and without men, make for a very interesting summer indeed.

The novel is carried along by Hustvedt’s writing style which is witty, intelligent, humorous, and unique. An unexpected joy to read.