When he was three, he had very high fevers that almost took his life away and damaged his brain. On the other hand, Sara’s brother, Charlie, was mentally handicapped. She was jealous of her sister because she got all the boys. Sara was a girl who thought she wasn’t attractive. Sara thought Wanda was prettier and better formed than she. They were put under the care of their Aunt Willie because their mother died six years ago and their father worked a long way from them. Synopsis Summer of the Swans is a book about three siblings, nineteen year old Wanda, fourteen year old Sara, and ten year old Charlie who lived in West Virginia. However, Aunt Willie is a bit too over-protective. For example, taking care of the children. Aunt Willie has been the three siblings’ guardian since their mother died six years ago. Sara doesn't like her very much, but she appears to be a real sport. She always wears her apron and works in the kitchen. At first she disliked her brother, Charlie, but after the incident she realized she loved him.Īunt Willie Aunt Willie is in her early forties. Sara misjudges the motives of everyone around her. She misunderstands her father's coldness for a lack of love. When Charlie got lost, he was wearing blue pajamas and brown slippers. He likes to listen to the ticking of his watch. Since he was three years old, he hasn’t spoken a word. He has an identification bracelet with his name and address on one wrist. It was very dark with scary noises and dark shadows made by the huge trees.Ĭharlie Charlie is the most important character in the story. The woods also included many ravines, high walls of masses of weeds, and many hills. There were weeds and bushes everywhere that made cuts in his arms.

One clear blue night, Charlie left the house to see the swans again, but he got lost in the woods.

Their necks were all arched at the same angle, so it seemed there was only one swan mirrored five times. There were six swans that seemed motionless on the water. It also took place on a afternoon at a lake with swans where Sara took Charlie to explore. On the second floor were Aunt Willie’s room, Charlie’s room and Wanda and Sara’s room. There was a kitchen next to a living room. The house was fairly big with a porch and some front steps. Setting Where and when the story takes place The story took place on a morning at the Godfrey house in West Virginia. The Summer of The Swans Author: Betsy Byars Cover Illustration By: Steven Assel Illustrated By: Ted CoConis Published By: The Viking Press Date of Publication: 1981

Summer of the swans book