Indian Summer

Name: Indian Summer
Author: William Dean Howells

Indian Summer by William Dean Howells explores the transformative journey of Colville, who, while attending an artist's reception in Florence, navigates his feelings of outsider status and discovers meaningful connections with Mrs. Bowen and her daughter Imogene. As their friendship deepens against the vibrant backdrop of the city, Colville's experience evolves from solitude to a rich exploration of art, relationships, and self-discovery.

By William Dean Howells · First published 1886 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Romance · 24 chapters · 118,175 words

First lines

Midway of the Ponte Vecchio at Florence, where three arches break the lines of the little jewellers' booths glittering on either hand, and open an approach to the parapet, Colville lounged against the corner of a shop and stared out upon the river. It was the late afternoon of a day in January, which had begun bright and warm, but had suffered a change of mood as its hours passed, and now, from a sky dimmed with flying grey clouds, was threatening rain. There must already have been rain in the mountains, for the yellow torrent that seethed and swirled around the piers of the bridge was swelling momently on the wall of the Lung' Arno, and rolling a threatening flood toward the Cascine, where it lost itself under the ranks of the poplars that seemed to file across its course, and let their delicate tops melt into the pallor of the low horizon.

What this Textopian page supports

Indian Summer is listed on Textopian as a novel by William Dean Howells, dated 1886 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: William Dean Howells
Date: 1886 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Romance, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary
Length: 118,175 words
Structure: 24 chapters, 2,467 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Indian Summer by William Dean Howells
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Indian Summer?
How does this novel by William Dean Howells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The novel explores complex characters and themes, focusing on social dynamics and personal relationships.
Realism — It presents a realistic portrayal of American life and society during the late 19th century.
Romance — The plot involves romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters.
Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect historical elements of the time period.