A Summer Place (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Fate | Sold film and television rights for A Summer Place |
Area served | United States |
A Summer Place is a novel published in 1958 by Sloan Wilson, following his successful 1955 work The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit. The narrative explores the rekindling of a youthful summer romance between an adult couple, previously separated due to social class disparities, alongside the romantic involvement of their teenage children from different marriages. This novel was later transformed into the 1959 movie A Summer Place.
Plot summary
Ken Jorgenson and Sylvia Hunter, once young lovers, marry other partners but reconnect years later. Sylvia's son Johnny and Ken's daughter Molly embark on their own romantic relationship.
While attending college, Ken works as a lifeguard at Pine Island, an exclusive resort in Maine frequented by Sylvia’s nouveau riche family and established wealthy residents. The affluent visitors regard Ken with disdain due to his employee status. Although Sylvia feels drawn to Ken, societal expectations steer her toward Bart Hunter, heir to a prosperous island dynasty. Conflict arises between Bart and Ken over Sylvia, culminating in Ken and Sylvia secretly consummating their relationship. At summer’s conclusion, Ken departs, and Sylvia marries Bart in accordance with her family’s wishes.
Ken achieves success as a millionaire research chemist and weds Helen, daughter of his business partner known for her prudish nature. Meanwhile, Bart faces financial decline; he converts their island estate into an inn and battles alcoholism. Two decades later, Ken returns to Pine Island accompanied by Molly and Helen. Despite initial friction, Johnny and Molly develop feelings for each other while Ken and Sylvia revive their romance. Bart pursues divorce and custody of Johnny; upon discovering Ken's affair, Helen divorces him. Johnny and Molly are enrolled in separate boarding schools but sustain a passionate correspondence.
Their relationship culminates with a reunion at Ken and Sylvia’s beach house where they confess their love and consummate it. Upon learning she is pregnant, Molly receives support from John who travels cross-country to be with her. Ken and Sylvia cautiously endorse their marriage. Bart, hospitalized due to alcoholism, disapproves yet encourages John to manage the inn. Helen attends the wedding under sedation. The newlyweds honeymoon on Pine Island—referred to by Bart as John’s "one good inheritance."
Publishing arrangements
Time magazine noted the distinctive financial conditions surrounding A Summer Place:
- Royalties surpassed the standard maximum of 15% typically granted to top authors, with earnings distributed over $25,000 annually for tax purposes;
- Pre-release orders neared 50,000 copies priced at $4.50 each;
- Ridge Press served as intermediary in negotiating rights with Simon & Schuster and other parties;
- Ridge Press retained exclusive film and television rights, circumventing the usual 10% fee taken by the publisher;
- McCall's paid Ridge Press $100,000 (equivalent to several million today) for serialization privileges;
- Film rights were sold for $500,000 plus 25% of profits, representing a substantial revenue source.