The setting of Dinard (a gorgeous holiday resort on the Brittany coast) may be new, but Rohmer’s typical themes of youthful romance, doubt, and vanity remain the same, presented with the controlled grace of a master. Within a week of arriving in town, the sensitive, handsome Gaspard finds himself entangled with three women. Sooner or later he may have to decide between them, but maybe not; the summer, after all, is still young. A Tale of Summer functions more like a warm breeze than anything solid. Characters linger on the beach, dissecting every uncertain glance, every failed connection, and every hopeful touch; romantic dreams, the sun and warmth are the source of this summer’s tale, where everyone is still hopeful, and all things possible.

—Judy Bloch