A while ago, I was caught off guard – not a lot, but just enough…
Are there “Indian Summers” in England? I am not being facetious about this>>> I would really like to know!
I started reading a new Cozy mystery series, which is set in Great Britain, and I was a little surprised to find the “Indian Summer” description for a beautiful autumn day. For some reason, I had always thought this description only applies to North America’s crisp autumn days.
When I read about the beautiful “Indian summer” weather in this British Cozy, I thought about something a site reader from England had written to me. She said that she was quite bothered by non-British authors who set their mystery book series in England and then include things they (the non-English authors) think should be included – stereotypical things – which sound totally wrong to “real” Brits. Of course, since they are stereotypical things that she wrote me about, the rest of us might not know that these things happen “only in the movies.” (I wish I could remember some of the examples she used!)
So, with this in mind, is there such a thing as a British “Indian Summer” day, mate? (I know, I know!!!)
kate says
I think Indian Summer and Blackberry Fall mean the same thing here and in G.B. The former is when you have an early freeze in the fall followed by a warm-up. The latter is a warmup in the spring followed by a late freeze.
p.s. I really, really appreciate all the work you put into your website. It’s a goldmine of info as I constantly have to find new authors for my 79 yr old mom to read (she who has read 2-3 bks/wk all her life).
Stephanie says
According to Wikipedia (an authoritative source, I know!):
In former times in Europe, ‘Indian summer’ was called ‘Saint Martin’s Summer’, referring to St. Martin’s day, November 11, when it was supposed to end. In British English “St. Martin’s Summer” was the most widely used term until the American phrase Indian Summer became better known in the 20th century.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Stephanie and Kate for helping me out with the Indian Summer deal. I did a little more digging, and found out that the term was “coined” in the United States… But, of course, since we live in such a transient world, it’s not like we “own” the term in the States, and no one else is “allowed” to use it!
I just found it a little disconcerting to find the reference in a “British Cozy”…