Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 5 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 15 minutes

"Summer" is a novel by Edith Wharton published in 1917. Unlike her other works, this novel is set in New England and explores themes of social class, women's roles, destructive relationships, sexual awakening, and the desires of the protagonist, Charity Royall. The story begins with Charity feeling bored with her life in a small town and dreaming of a better future. She secures a job at the town's library to save money and eventually leave. Charity's life changes when she meets Lucius Harney, an architect, and they develop a romantic relationship. However, their relationship faces obstacles, including Mr. Royall's disapproval and Lucius's involvement with another woman. Charity becomes pregnant and faces challenges, but ultimately decides to marry Mr. Royall for the sake of her child. The novel explores Charity's coming-of-age and her growth as she navigates difficult decisions. The major characters include Charity, Mr. Royall, Lucius, Annabel, and Julia. "Summer" is considered one of Wharton's lesser-known novels due to its controversial subject matter.