"The Summer Without Men" is a novel by Siri Hustvedt that follows the story of Mia Freedman, a poet who experiences a mental breakdown after her husband asks for a temporary separation. During her time away from him, she reflects on her life, relationships, and the complexities of womanhood. Mia spends the summer in her hometown, where she interacts with various women, including her elderly mother and a group of young girls. Through these encounters, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the search for identity, ultimately highlighting the strength and resilience of women.