The Summer Boy by Philippe Besson (Paperback)
A poetic coming-of-age novel set on a French island in 1985, where six teenagers experience a summer of desire, friendship and discovery. As Philippe forms a deep connection with Nicolas, a sudden tragedy changes everything, leaving behind a lasting memory of love, loss and the intensity of youth...read the full blurb.
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| Weight | 350 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 135 × 14 × 216 mm |
| Author | Philippe Besson |
| Condition | New |
| Format | Paperback |
| Genre | Fiction, France, Gay, LGBTQ+, Literary Fiction, MM, Queer, Romance, Summer |
| Publication Year | 2026 |
| Publisher | Simon & Schuster |
| Published | 18/06/2026 |
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The Summer Boy is a lyrical and emotional novel by Philippe Besson, exploring youth, desire and memory through one defining summer on a French island. From the author of Lie With Me, this story captures the intensity of first connections and the lasting impact of a single, life-changing moment.
On a small, scruffy resort island off the coast of France, six teenagers spend the summer of 1985 together before adulthood begins to reshape their lives. Five boys and one girl form a close group, filling their days with freedom, sun and the sense that nothing will ever change. Beneath the surface, however, emotions run deeper than friendship, shaped by longing, jealousy and unspoken attraction.
Philippe finds himself drawn to Nicolas, the quiet new arrival who seems to understand him in a way no one else does. As their connection grows, it becomes clear that Nicolas holds something back, creating a distance that Philippe cannot fully bridge. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of a summer that feels both infinite and fragile.
Everything shifts when a sudden tragedy brings the season to an abrupt and devastating end. What remains is a memory that lingers far beyond that final night, shaping the way Philippe reflects on love, loss and the passage of time.
The Summer Boy is a reflective and intimate exploration of youth, connection and the way certain moments remain with us long after they have passed.
Perfect for readers who enjoy literary coming-of-age stories, queer romance, emotional fiction, nostalgic summer settings and reflective narratives about love, memory and loss.
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