Summer People [Hardcover]

Marge Piercy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 1989

"Summer People" is a novel of relationships. It examines the complexities of a supposedly idyllic "menage-a-trois" and follows its progressive disintegration under the pressures of the changing aspirations and obsessions of its participants.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Set in Cape Cod, featuring liaisons aplenty and "related in an absorbingly leisurely fashion, Piercy's latest is an old-fashioned novel in the sense that it doesn't tell a flashy story, but delves into character and relationships, slowly weaving a richly nuanced tale," wrote PW .
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

After 11 years, the menage a trois of Dinah Adler and Willie and Susan DeWitt is a strong family unit, accepted in its Cape Cod community. Dinah is a respected composer, devoted to her music, and Willie is a sculptor and carpenter happy with his life (and the envy of the local men). But Susan's growing discontent--with her work as a fabric designer and her role as unofficial gofer and hostess for summer people--ruptures the relationship and leads to tragedy. Piercy tells this story in short chapters in the alternating voices of several characters, making the narrative choppy and occasionally repetitive, and stuffs it with details so it sometimes seems interminable. Worse, these characters--except for the three primary ones--are basically shallow and opportunistic, and difficult to care about. A disappointing novel from a notable author.
- Michele Leber, Fairfax Cty. P.L., Va.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Michael Joseph Ltd; First Edition edition (August 14, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718133277
• ISBN-13: 978-0718133276
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,855,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars terrifically entertaining, December 18, 1999

By 

flame (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Summer People (Hardcover)

Remember the old Agatha Christie books that began with a cast of characters/suspects? This book begins the same way -- which is fitting, since with Piercy the odd mix of characters is what propells the action, and the readers' interest. In this novel, seven or eight characters whirl through twelve-month's time in a small town on Cape Cod. Domestic bliss is challenged by the usual obstacles: envy, longing, and the common desires of the heart. Rifts arise between lovers and strangers come together. Small events set in motion the breakup of families. I didn't find the book especially deep or thought-provoking, but it's definitely entertaining -- something to read at the beach or on rainy evenings.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A great read, October 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Summer People (Hardcover)

This book by Marge Piercy is one her better outings. I enjoy her work but her feminist agenda sometimes overides her work. Summer People revolves around the friends, family and lovers of three Cape Cod artists. Susan, Willie and Dinah have been involved in menage a trois that is terminated as the book's action begins. This is partly because of Susan's relationship with a rich summer resident Tyrone has veered into an unhealthy obsession that is ultimately her downfall. Ironically it is this change that allows the other characters to move forward with their lives. Peircy is a good writer and the book is full of juicy observations on the characters and and their interactions. Tyrone is a wonderfully drawn, and it is interesting how Susan never sees the true nature of the man,a selfserving and manipulative user under a polished exterior. However Susan's son Jimmy reveals a dark character as well. This is one part of the book that is very perceptive.I have personally seen the children of parents who depend on the largesse of others grow up to have an expectation things can be "bought" using yourself to pay. In all a really good read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nurturing escape, November 21, 2003

By 

Sokste "KtS" (Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Summer People (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed this book when I read it several years ago, and it comes back to me from time to time. I like her take on what is sustainable and wholesome in life. I enjoyed watching the progress of their characters through the particular journeys we see them take. I loved her Pesach dinner. And the honesty with which she holds her characters. Low-key delight.