Indian Summer

Romance in Florence Love Triangle and American Expatriates in the Gilded Age
1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-2-322-57791-0
Verlag: BoD - Books on Demand

Buch, Englisch, 370 Seiten, Paperback, Format (B × H): 148 mm x 210 mm, Gewicht: 536 g

Indian Summer by William Dean Howells is a celebrated novel of the Gilded Age, set in the enchanting city of Florence, Italy. The story centers on Theodore Colville, a middle-aged American who, after a professional setback, travels to Florence for a change of scenery and to revisit the memories of his youth. Once an architect with literary aspirations, Colville now finds himself at a crossroads, seeking solace and perhaps a new beginning.

Upon arrival, Colville reconnects with Lina Bowen, a widow and a friend from his past, who is staying in Florence with her young daughter Effie. At a gathering hosted by Lina, Colville meets Imogene Graham, a spirited and naive young woman whose enthusiasm for life and adventure captivates him. Soon, Colville becomes entangled in a delicate love triangle, torn between the mature companionship of Lina and the youthful exuberance of Imogene.

Howells masterfully explores the complexities of middle age, romantic longing, and the social conventions of the time. The novel is a comedy of manners, rich in introspection and vivid descriptions of expatriate life in Italy. The characters navigate their feelings with subtlety, their emotions expressed through conversation and gesture rather than overt declarations, reflecting the strict codes of conduct of the Gilded Age.

Through Colville, Howells examines themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in the later stages of life. The novel is also a love letter to Florence, with lush depictions of its landscapes, architecture, and vibrant social scene. The interplay between the characters, their misunderstandings, and their personal growth create a narrative that is both charming and deeply moving.

Indian Summer is a work of literary fiction that appeals to readers who enjoy historical novels, stories of expatriate life, and nuanced explorations of human relationships. The novel stands as a testament to Howells skill as a realist writer, capturing the quiet heroism of ordinary people and the beauty of fleeting moments.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Dean Howells, William

Über Autor(innen)

Dean Howells, William
William Dean Howells, born in 1837 and deceased in 1920, is widely regarded as one of the most influential American writers and critics of the late nineteenth century. Known for his keen observations of society and his commitment to literary realism, Howells produced a body of work that remains essential to the study of American literature.

Howells began his career as a journalist and editor, eventually becoming editor-in-chief of The Atlantic Monthly, where he championed the works of emerging authors such as Mark Twain and Henry James. His own novels, including Indian Summer, are celebrated for their nuanced portrayals of ordinary people, their struggles, and their aspirations.

Throughout his life, Howells was deeply interested in the social dynamics of his time, often exploring themes such as class, gender, and the tensions between tradition and modernity. His writing is marked by a subtle humor, a gentle irony, and a profound sense of empathy for his characters.

Howells influence extended beyond literature into the realms of politics and social reform. He was a vocal advocate for realism in fiction and for the importance of literature as a means of understanding and improving society. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of American realism and as a master of the comedy of manners.

His legacy endures in the continued appreciation of his novels, essays, and criticism, which offer insight into the cultural and intellectual life of the Gilded Age. Howells remains a central figure in the canon of American literature, admired for his insight, his wit, and his compassionate portrayal of the human condition.

William Dean Howells:
William Dean Howells, born in 1837 and deceased in 1920, is widely regarded as one of the most influential American writers and critics of the late nineteenth century. Known for his keen observations of society and his commitment to literary realism, Howells produced a body of work that remains essential to the study of American literature.

Howells began his career as a journalist and editor, eventually becoming editor-in-chief of The Atlantic Monthly, where he championed the works of emerging authors such as Mark Twain and Henry James. His own novels, including Indian Summer, are celebrated for their nuanced portrayals of ordinary people, their struggles, and their aspirations.

Throughout his life, Howells was deeply interested in the social dynamics of his time, often exploring themes such as class, gender, and the tensions between tradition and modernity. His writing is marked by a subtle humor, a gentle irony, and a profound sense of empathy for his characters.

Howells influence extended beyond literature into the realms of politics and social reform. He was a vocal advocate for realism in fiction and for the importance of literature as a means of understanding and improving society. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of American realism and as a master of the comedy of manners.

His legacy endures in the continued appreciation of his novels, essays, and criticism, which offer insight into the cultural and intellectual life of the Gilded Age. Howells remains a central figure in the canon of American literature, admired for his insight, his wit, and his compassionate portrayal of the human condition.