Summerlong

Summerlong by Peter S. Beagle is a lyrical, magical realist novel that unfolds like a long, enchanted dream on the shores of Puget Sound. Known for his iconic fantasy work The Last Unicorn, Beagle here turns his talent toward a modern myth wrapped in the quiet rhythms of everyday life. The result is an elegant, slow-burning tale of transformation, mythology, and the secret lives of ordinary people.

The story follows Abe Aronson, a retired professor, and his long-time companion Joanna Delvecchio. Their peaceful life on an island in Washington state is interrupted when they meet a mysterious young waitress named Lioness Lazos. Her presence stirs something ancient and uncanny, and soon it becomes clear that she is not who she seems. As strange events ripple outward from her arrival, the lives of everyone around her begin to shift in unexpected ways.

Beagle’s writing is poetic and richly atmospheric. He conjures a setting so vividly imagined that the reader can smell the salt in the air and feel the sunlight on the water. The characters are mature, reflective, and deeply human—something rare in contemporary fantasy. The exploration of aging, love, and second chances is handled with grace and wisdom.

The magic in Summerlong is subtle, almost dreamlike. Rather than explosions or dramatic quests, this is a story where myth quietly invades the modern world, unsettling reality with grace and melancholy. The mythology at play—rooted in Greek legend—adds depth without overwhelming the narrative, making this an ideal entry point for readers seeking thoughtful, character-driven fantasy.

Themes of longing, change, and the cost of holding on to the past resonate throughout. Lioness becomes both catalyst and mirror, forcing Abe and Joanna to confront hidden truths about themselves and each other. The emotional journey is poignant and, at times, heartbreaking, but ultimately filled with a sense of earned wonder.

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Summerlong is a gem for readers who enjoy fantasy grounded in the real world—more Neil Gaiman than Brandon Sanderson. It asks what it means to love, to age, and to let go of the illusions we carry. With its gorgeous prose and timeless themes, it stands as a quiet masterpiece in Beagle’s already impressive body of work.