"Summer of '42" is a coming-of-age novel written by Herman Raucher, published in 1971. The story is set on a small island off the coast of Maine during World War II and follows the experiences of a teenage boy named Hermie as he navigates the complexities of adolescence, love, and loss. The narrative explores Hermie's infatuation with a young widow, Dorothy, whose husband has been killed in the war. Through their interactions, the novel delves into themes of innocence, longing, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, capturing the essence of a transformative summer in Hermie's life.