Summertime and Short Stories

by Stanislas M Yassukovich

The novella Summertime is set in the "old money" crowd of Long Island and describes an affair between a GP and his patient, causing his professional guilt, compounded by the guilt of his paramour, due to her relationship with her father.

A brass rubbing hobbyist finds a gravestone with his name on it. A gentleman exchanges a life of superficial pleasure for a worthwhile, charitable cause. An introvert gets embroiled in an insider dealing scandal with his controlling girlfriend. A painter sees his canvas go blank in mid-execution. A playboy polo player is prompted to return home by the death of a friend. An old man with digital incapacities experiences a nightmare. A father reflects on his relationship with his son. A spoiled rich girl sets out to find a husband. Two sisters fall out over a romance with a tenant. This collection of short stories is a fascinating literary journey through international and elegant venues, populated by a variety of personalities whose adventures reflect the twists and turns of human existence.

Genres: Drama, Novels, Contemporary, Book Club

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Summertime and Short Stories" is a collection of short stories written by Yassukovich. All of them are equally captivating, but with varied plots. What's striking about this book is that the reader can't put it down once immersed in the world of these short stories. I enjoyed all the stories; they all feature diverse characters, and it's very interesting to see how they transform throughout the narratives. Another point I'd like to highlight is the creativity and originality of this author. I recommend this compilation of short stories to all those readers who are looking for a book to clear their mind and delve into the world of short stories.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and interesting stories.

This book contains eleven short stories, beautiful, interesting, and profound, that will undoubtedly captivate you. ‘’Summertime and Short Stories’’ includes stories of love, betrayal, loneliness, death, and much more. Each story is related to tales set on Long Island during the golden age of this area. The adventures and each of the characters bring a touch of originality to these stories and deeply reflect the human behaviors of people from that era and how these manifest themselves today. I thoroughly enjoyed each of the stories, especially "Summertime", "Home Is the Heart", "Reflections of an Ancient" and "The Boy on a Bicycle". I highly recommend this collection of stories written by Stanislas M. Yassukovich, which you will enjoy from the very beginning.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summertime & Short Stories by Stanislas Yassukovich
These international stories are nice to read, takes you away to others problems.
Like the different seasons of the year as they are described in colorful scenes.
Some of the stories relate to alcoholism, mental illness and other diseases. Some got a bit too dark for me to enjoy fully. I felt as if a few were true stories that the author held dear to their heart and soul. I can't imagine them happening to me and how the solution had come about. Doctors would not have performed the surgery where it took place.
Thought twin sisters who are looking for boarders was a bit comical til it wasn't. Can't believe how that one ends. Quite the variety of stories, something for everyone in them.

[Charlie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short stories are tricky. You either finish them feeling something or you don't; there's no middle ground. With this collection, I felt something reading each of them. What I liked most was how each story has its own mood. Yassukovich doesn't try to connect everything correctly, and that actually works in the book's favor. It feels more like life that way, moments that don't always explain themselves.
While reading, I kept noticing small details that hit harder than expected. The kind of writing where one sentence suddenly makes you put the book down and just sit with it for a minute. It helped me remember why I love short fiction when it's written well. Not every story landed equally for me, but that's what happens with these short stories. The ones that did were really worth it.

[Rodrigo J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decisions that weigh more than they seem

This book has left me thinking, maybe more than I expected, about how easy it is to cross certain lines without really noticing it. Sometimes you feel in control, like everything is already decided, but then in real life things just move, little by little, and that is it, there is not clear moment. Or maybe there is, but it does not feel that way when it happens.

It also made me think that decisions are not always as rational as one would like. There are emotions, pauses, even silences that get in the way, or maybe not in the way, but they change things. It is hard to explain well. And later, when you look back, everything seems different, or at least it feels different.

Not much happens in the book, but it stays, somehow, it stays.

[desivivo89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly entertaining

This was a surprise read for me. First, I was a little confused about the short stories because I started with one that had several chapters. Short ones, but a single story with multiple parts. Then, I found out that after that first one, there were a bunch of beautiful and completely different stories. They've been my companion every evening, and I really enjoyed having ten minutes to be capable of choosing randomly to start and finish one. I loved the presentation of each story, short but precise. I think that is a powerful skill of the author because it was a great choice to make me feel immediately part of the plot. I absolutely recommend this book to those who are looking for deep and brief stories. My favorite was the one that has Lucas as a main character because it reminds me of my dear Argentina.

[ZebraDebra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summertime and Short Stories is a book after my own heart. I have always loved short stories, but it is not that easy to find really good ones. This little volume is packed with one great story after the other.

I resonated particularly with the story about a man who gives up his life of pleasure in favor of serving a helpful cause. Another one of these short stories that really lingered on for me was that of the father who pondered whether he did the right thing in how he relates to his son.

I loved the fact that I could read a complete story in this book in a relatively short time frame and still get a completely satisfying experience.

[Riley K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brass rubbing hobbyist finds a gravestone with his name on it. A gentleman exchanges a life of superficial pleasure for a worthwhile, charitable cause. An introvert gets embroiled in an insider dealing scandal with his controlling girlfriend. A painter sees his canvas go blank in mid-execution. A playboy polo player is prompted to return home by the death of a friend. An old man with digital incapacities experiences a nightmare. A father reflects on his relationship with his son. A spoiled rich girl sets out to find a husband. Two sisters fall out over a romance with a tenant. This collection of short stories is a fascinating literary journey through international and elegant venues, populated by a variety of personalities whose adventures reflect the twists and turns of human existence.

Loved each story. They brought something unique and fresh to the book. Will recommend to others

[Santiago L.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t finish this book thinking about one specific story. While reading, I kept drifting back to my own memories without really trying. Something small would show up, like a situation or a reaction, and I’d immediately think of a moment from my own life that felt similar, even if the context was completely different. That’s what made the book work for me. It brought back things I hadn’t thought about in a while, the kind of moments you don’t stop to think about when they happen. It felt like finally paying attention to things I had already lived but never really stopped to think about. I also liked that some stories just stop where they need to. It doesn’t try to close everything, and that makes it feel more real.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read “Summertime and Short Stories” and was captivated from the first page. Each story has its own rhythm and tone, but they all share a sharp eye for human desires, mistakes, and contradictions. I appreciated how Yassukovich avoids unnecessary details; each scene conveys genuine emotion and reflects the complexity of her characters, from a doctor's guilt to a father's introspection. The settings, from Long Island to international travel, feel elegant and precise, yet never cold. I finished the book feeling as though I had journeyed through many different lives in just a few pages, and with the certainty that each story offers something to reflect on regarding relationships, choices, and human nature.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summertime and Short Stories is a compelling collection that looks beneath the polished surface of wealthy and privileged lives. The characters may have money, comfort, and beautiful surroundings, but their lives are often filled with tension, secrets, dissatisfaction, and emotional turmoil. That contrast between outward appearances and inner struggles makes these stories interesting. Yassukovich creates characters who feel more complicated than their circumstances might suggest, suggesting that wealth doesn't necessarily bring happiness or peace. Thought-provoking and engaging, this collection is an intriguing glimpse into the hidden problems behind lives that, from the outside, seem almost perfect. Recommended.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love short stories and novellas and am often frustrated by how few quality short story volumes I manage to find. For this reason, Summertime and Short Stories by Stanlislas M. Yassukovich was an exciting discovery for me. This collection of novellas is all set among a wealthy community of Long Island residents, but the similarities stop there. Yassukovich delves into an exploration of vastly different lives and experiences in this collection. I was intrigued by the variety of the stories and the generally satisfying endings. If you are a fan of short stories, then you should definitely give this book a go! You won’t be disappointed. I am giving it five stars.

[Grymm Gevierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this season of long days and longer books, it’s nice to take a break with a collection of shorter pieces. This collection has a novella as well, Summertime, which is an engaging, fun, and quick read. These stories, on the surface, don’t seem to have a theme, but there is a subtle and powerful underlying current of the human condition, control, and the situations we find ourselves in while in pursuit of things we enjoy/love. The most important lessons and trials in life are often caused by outside forces that turn us inward, and how we navigate them shapes us.

Yassukovich did a great job creating interesting premises and a fantastic set of characters. Definitely recommend!

[Sandym · Rating 5 out of 5]

All that old money and still nobody has life figured out. That's what makes this collection such good company. The doctor's affair in Summertime is tangled up in guilt, while a gravestone bearing its visitor's name brings a wonderfully creepy change of mood. The shorter pieces suit a coffee break , but their questions about regret and family are harder to shrug off. I like how the tidy prose leaves room for untidy people, with their questionable choices and very human worries. Some stories are quieter than others, and that variety is part of the charm. Sharp, strange, and surprisingly tender, this is a lovely pick for anyone who enjoys a little unease with their people-watching. 

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like short story books. There are moments where I only want to start and finish a story in one sitting, so this was a great choice.
I like this perspective on the stories about everything being good but once you start looking better you find all these struggles, completely normal in all humans. I like that honesty shown in the stories.
My favorite was Deletion and the second one was A Genealogical Puzzle, they were really captivating and I was hooked from the first pages.
The book is very reflective human and a great choice for those trying to get back into reading.

[Martyn Beeny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summertime and Short Stories is an engaging and thoughtfully crafted collection that explores relationships, personal dilemmas, and the unexpected turns that shape people's lives.

Stanislas M. Yassukovich writes with elegance and restraint, allowing the characters and situations to speak for themselves. From Long Island society to a variety of intriguing personal journeys, the stories offer a mix of reflection, emotion, and quiet insight.

A rewarding collection for readers who enjoy literary fiction centered on human nature and life's complexities.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summertime and Short Stories offers a truly unique writing style that felt completely refreshing. The structure is brilliant,each chapter brings in new characters, allowing you to see a whole new side to the overarching story every time you turn the page.

If you love a plot driven by spilled family secrets and endless drama, this one will definitely keep you hooked. A few sections felt a little lacking, but not enough to take away from the overall enjoyment or ruin the momentum of the stories.

Overall, it’s a complex and engaging read that is absolutely worth adding to your TBR!