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Summer and the City by Candace Bushnell, book cover

Summer and the City Summary

by Candace Bushnell

3.62 Goodreads · 14k ratingsYoung Adult409 pages14-min summary

In 1980s New York City, Carrie Bradshaw pursues her writing dreams, finds complex friendships that will define her, and balances her small-town past with her iconic future.

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By BookBrief EditorialPublished February 2026How we write summaries

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Carrie Bradshaw continues her New York City adventure, facing early struggles and embracing the city's energy. She joins a writing workshop, where she meets Larissa, and explores the city's nightlife, encountering Sebastian Kydd, who becomes a romantic complication. As Carrie gets deeper into the fashion and social scene, she forms friendships with Samantha Jones and Miranda Hobbes, setting the stage for their trio. Carrie makes difficult decisions, especially about Sebastian, as she tries to connect her past with her future as a writer. She makes a breakthrough in her writing, learns about independence and self-discovery, and embraces friendship, changing from a small-town girl into Carrie Bradshaw.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Lighthearted, Romantic, Ambitious, Glamorous
Read it if
You love stories about self-discovery, female friendship, and the magic of New York City, especially if you're a fan of the 'Sex and the City' universe.
Skip it if
You prefer high-stakes plots over character-driven coming-of-age stories or are looking for a mature romance.

Summer and the City Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. Arrival and Early Struggles

    Carrie Bradshaw starts her summer in New York City, having earned a scholarship to a writing workshop. She lives in a small West Village apartment, still dealing with her on-again, off-again relationship with Sebastian Kydd. Despite the city's excitement, Carrie feels like an outsider, a 'sparrow' as she is later called. She tries to find her place, creatively and socially, while still connected to her past in Castlebury, Connecticut. Her first attempts to connect with the city are a mix of wonder and awkwardness, as she tries to balance her writing goals with New York's social scene.

  2. The Writing Workshop and Larissa

    Carrie's main focus is the writing workshop at The New School, where she wants to improve her skills. There, she meets Larissa Loughlin, an energetic and unusual editor at Interview magazine, who quickly likes Carrie. Larissa, with her bold style and knowledge of New York's social scene, becomes Carrie's first guide to the city's glamorous side. She invites Carrie to parties and introduces her to influential people, showing Carrie a world far beyond Castlebury and her first ideas of New York. Larissa encourages Carrie to be herself and to write about her real experiences.

  3. Meeting Samantha Jones

    Carrie meets Samantha Jones, a confident and independent woman who works in PR. Their first meetings show Samantha's directness and independent spirit. Samantha, older and more experienced than Carrie, represents a different kind of New York woman — one who values self-pleasure and career over traditional romance. She is bold and lives life on her own terms, making a strong impression on Carrie, who is still figuring out her own identity and desires. Samantha's presence hints at the future friendships that will shape Carrie's life.

  4. The Sebastian Kydd Complication

    Just as Carrie settles into New York, Sebastian Kydd, her complicated high school boyfriend, unexpectedly appears. His presence brings back the strong feelings and emotional trouble that defined their relationship. Sebastian's arrival forces Carrie to face her feelings for him and the difficulty of truly moving on from her past. Their on-again, off-again dynamic adds drama to Carrie's summer, taking her focus from her writing and her new life, and making her wonder if she can truly escape her old self while he is around.

  5. Exploring New York's Nightlife

    With Larissa, Carrie goes to glamorous parties, art openings, and clubs. She meets many different people, from artists to socialites, and experiences the city's exciting but sometimes shallow nightlife. These experiences are very different from her life in Castlebury and help her grow more sophisticated, but also show her the less glamorous parts of the city's social order and the pressure to fit in. She learns to navigate these new places, often feeling out of place but always watching and absorbing New York's unique energy.

  6. Meeting Miranda Hobbes

    Carrie's circle grows when she meets Miranda Hobbes, a sharp, cynical, and smart law student. Miranda offers a grounded, practical view that contrasts with the often-frivolous attitudes of Carrie's other friends. Their interactions show Miranda's ambition and practical approach to life, which balances Carrie's more romantic and artistic leanings. This meeting marks the start of another important friendship that will shape Carrie's life in New York, forming the core group of women who will become her closest friends.

  7. The Writing Breakthrough

    Despite distractions, Carrie stays committed to her writing workshop. She first struggles to find her voice, feeling pressure to write about grand topics. However, through her experiences, observations, and Larissa's encouragement, Carrie realizes that her view as an outsider in New York, along with her personal struggles and relationships, is her most interesting material. She starts writing about her real life, her feelings about Sebastian, and her city adventures. This is a key moment in her growth as a writer and the start of her future columns.

  8. The Fashion World and Lessons Learned

    Carrie's love for fashion grows as she explores vintage shops and observes the styles of New Yorkers. Larissa further introduces her to high fashion and the importance of personal style as self-expression. Carrie begins to develop her distinctive fashion sense, using clothes to define herself in the city. However, she also learns that appearances can be misleading and that true style comes from within, not just from following trends or seeking approval. Her journey through fashion mirrors her journey of self-discovery.

  9. A Difficult Decision About Sebastian

    The drama with Sebastian Kydd ends. Carrie realizes that to fully embrace her new life and goals in New York, she must finally break up with him. This is a hard but necessary step, as she sees that their relationship, though passionate, holds her back from her potential and the independent woman she wants to become. The decision marks a major turning point, showing her growth and her commitment to her own path, even if it means heartbreak and leaving a part of her past behind.

  10. Embracing Independence and Friendship

    By the end of the summer, Carrie has made progress in defining herself independently. She has started to form the friendships with Samantha Jones and Miranda Hobbes that will be central to her life in New York. While her romantic life is still developing, she has chosen to prioritize her growth, her writing, and her new friendships over the comfort of her past relationships. She feels more at home in the city, no longer a 'sparrow' but a New Yorker, ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Principal Figures

Carrie Bradshaw

Protagonist

An aspiring writer navigating her first summer in New York City.

Carrie is a naive yet ambitious young woman from Castlebury, Connecticut, with a passion for writing and fashion. She is observant, witty, and deeply introspective, often using her experiences as material for her writing. Carrie is initially overwhelmed by New York but gradually finds her voice and place. She grapples with past relationships, particularly with Sebastian Kydd, and struggles to reconcile her small-town roots with her big-city aspirations. Her drive to become a writer is central to her identity.

Relationships: Sebastian Kydd (On-again, off-again passionate but tumultuous boyfriend); Larissa Loughlin (Mentor and guide to New York's glamorous scene); Samantha Jones (Emerging close friend, confident and sexually liberated); Miranda Hobbes (Emerging close friend, pragmatic and intelligent)

Larissa Loughlin

Supporting

A glamorous and eccentric editor at Interview magazine who mentors Carrie.

Larissa is a vibrant, sophisticated, and somewhat bohemian editor who embodies the allure and eccentricity of New York's art and party scene. She is Carrie's initial guide to the city's hidden gems and exclusive events, always impeccably dressed and full of witty observations. Larissa encourages Carrie to embrace her unique voice and to write about her authentic experiences, providing a crucial push for Carrie's creative development. She represents a certain kind of New York independence and glamour.

Relationships: Carrie Bradshaw (Mentor and friend)

Samantha Jones

Supporting

A confident, sexually liberated public relations professional.

Samantha is a fierce and unapologetic woman who lives life on her own terms. She is older and more experienced than Carrie, working in public relations and exuding an aura of self-assured independence. Samantha is direct, honest, and sexually liberated, challenging Carrie's more traditional views on relationships and femininity. She represents a powerful, no-nonsense approach to navigating New York, prioritizing her own desires and career. Her presence introduces Carrie to a different kind of female empowerment.

Relationships: Carrie Bradshaw (Emerging close friend)

Miranda Hobbes

Supporting

A pragmatic and intelligent law student.

Miranda is sharp-witted, cynical, and highly intelligent, pursuing a career in law. She offers a grounded, realistic perspective that often contrasts with Carrie's more romantic or idealistic views. Miranda is ambitious and values intellectual pursuits, making her a formidable and reliable friend. Her no-nonsense attitude and practical advice provide a necessary balance to Carrie's often-emotional decision-making. She embodies a different facet of New York ambition, focused on professional achievement and rational thought.

Relationships: Carrie Bradshaw (Emerging close friend)

Sebastian Kydd

Supporting

Carrie's complicated and charismatic on-again, off-again high school boyfriend.

Sebastian is Carrie's first love, a charismatic and somewhat troubled young man whose presence brings significant emotional turmoil to her life. He is charming and alluring but also unreliable and emotionally complex. His unexpected reappearance in New York forces Carrie to confront her lingering feelings and the difficulty of truly moving on from her past. Sebastian represents the comforts and complications of Carrie's previous life in Castlebury, acting as an anchor that threatens to pull her away from her new aspirations.

Relationships: Carrie Bradshaw (On-again, off-again passionate but tumultuous boyfriend)

Themes & Insights

The Search for Identity and Self-Discovery

Carrie's journey in New York is about discovering who she is outside her small town and past relationships. She tries new fashion, friendships, and social circles, always observing and learning. The city itself pushes her to face her weaknesses and strengths. Her writing helps her explore herself, as she learns to express her unique view and experiences, changing from a 'sparrow' into a more defined person. This is clear in her decision to finally break up with Sebastian, choosing her own path over a familiar but limiting past.

“Maybe our mistakes are what make our fate. Without them, what would be our past? We'd be like a blank slate... And the truth is, if we don't make mistakes, we don't learn.”
Carrie Bradshaw (narrator)

The Allure and Challenges of New York City

New York City is more than a setting; it is a character, offering both opportunity and challenges. Carrie is drawn to its glamour, energy, and the promise of change, but also struggles with its overwhelming nature, its competition, and the feeling of being small. The city pushes her out of her comfort zone, forcing her to adapt and grow. From the nightlife to the writing workshops, New York constantly tests Carrie and shapes her into the person she is meant to become. It is a place where dreams can come true, but only with hard work.

“New York was a place to reinvent yourself. A place where you could be anyone you wanted to be.”
Carrie Bradshaw (narrator)

The Power of Female Friendship

A central theme is the beginning of Carrie's friendships with Samantha Jones and Miranda Hobbes. While still new, these relationships offer Carrie different kinds of support and companionship that are important to her development. Samantha introduces her to a world of independence and sexual freedom, while Miranda provides a practical view. These friendships start to fill the void left by her past relationships, showing the importance of chosen family and the strength women find in each other, setting the stage for the bond that defines 'Sex and the City'.

“Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with.”
Carrie Bradshaw (narrator)

The Pursuit of a Creative Dream

Carrie's main goal is to become a successful writer. The writing workshop is her entry point, but she quickly learns that talent alone is not enough. She struggles to find her voice, deals with self-doubt, and tries to balance her creative goals with her personal life and the city's attractions. Her journey shows the dedication, vulnerability, and self-reflection needed for an artistic career, as she finds her voice by writing about her real New York experiences and relationships. This theme highlights the importance of passion and persistence.

“The secret to writing is to get naked. To get real. To tell the truth.”
Larissa Loughlin

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Mentor Figure (Larissa Loughlin)

Larissa acts as Carrie's guide to New York's sophisticated and bohemian world.

Larissa Loughlin serves as a crucial mentor figure for Carrie. She introduces Carrie to the city's exclusive parties, influential people, and the intricacies of the fashion and art scenes. Larissa's eccentric personality, bold style, and insider knowledge provide Carrie with a crash course in 'being a New Yorker.' More importantly, Larissa encourages Carrie's writing, pushing her to find her authentic voice and to draw inspiration from her own experiences, thereby accelerating Carrie's personal and creative growth.

The Lingering Ex-Boyfriend (Sebastian Kydd)

Sebastian's reappearance represents Carrie's past, providing conflict and forcing her to make difficult choices.

Sebastian Kydd's unexpected arrival in New York functions as a significant source of external and internal conflict for Carrie. He embodies her past, the comfort and familiarity of her old life in Castlebury, and the emotional entanglement she's trying to escape. His presence forces Carrie to confront her unresolved feelings and makes her choice to fully embrace her independent future in New York more challenging and impactful. His role is to test Carrie's resolve and highlight her growth as she ultimately chooses her aspirations over a turbulent past relationship.

The 'Sparrow' Metaphor

A recurring term used to describe Carrie's initial naive and small-town status in New York.

The term 'sparrow,' often used by Samantha Jones, serves as a powerful metaphor for Carrie's initial naive and unworldly state upon arriving in New York. It highlights her small-town innocence and her feeling of being an outsider in the vast, sophisticated city. As the story progresses, Carrie gradually sheds this 'sparrow' image, growing into a more confident and self-assured 'New Yorker.' The metaphor tracks her transformation from a vulnerable newcomer to a woman finding her wings and her place in the urban jungle, symbolizing her journey of self-discovery and adaptation.

Summer and the City Quotes

“Maybe some girls are just not meant to be tamed. Maybe they just need to run free until they find someone just as wild to run with them.”
Carrie's internal monologue about her desire for independence and a specific kind of relationship.
“The city was a place where you could be anyone you wanted to be. Or no one at all.”
Carrie reflecting on the anonymity and opportunity New York City offers.
“He was like a song you couldn't get out of your head, even when you knew all the words and the melody by heart.”
Carrie's persistent thoughts about Sebastian Kydd.
“Sometimes the best way to figure out who you are is to spend time with people who are absolutely nothing like you.”
Carrie observing her diverse group of friends in the city.
“There's a fine line between being a dreamer and being delusional.”
Carrie's pragmatic side coming through amidst her romantic ideals.
“New York was a labyrinth, and I was just starting to learn how to navigate its winding paths.”
Carrie's initial experiences trying to find her way around the city.
“Boys were like shoes. Some fit perfectly, some pinched, and some you just had to admire from afar.”
Carrie's lighthearted reflection on her romantic interests.
“You can't really escape your past, no matter how far you run. It always catches up to you in the end.”
Carrie realizing that her past experiences still influence her, even in a new city.
“The best kind of fashion was the kind that made you feel like you could conquer the world.”
Carrie's philosophy on the power of clothing and personal style.
“Sometimes, the most exciting part of a story isn't the ending, but the beginning, when anything feels possible.”
Carrie's hopeful outlook on her new life in New York.
“Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest, it's about who walked into your life, said 'I'm here for you,' and proved it.”
Carrie's appreciation for her new friends in the city.
“There's a certain magic to discovering a new place, a feeling that anything can happen.”
Carrie's excitement about exploring New York City for the first time.
“Life had a way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes all you could do was try to hit them out of the park.”
Carrie's resilience when facing unexpected challenges.
“The hardest part about growing up is realizing that not everyone is going to stick around forever.”
Carrie's bittersweet reflections on changing relationships.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What is Carrie Bradshaw primarily in love with during her summer in New York City at the beginning of the book?

    1. Her new job as a fashion editor
    2. All aspects of New York City, including its characters, boutiques, and parties
    3. The quiet solitude of her apartment
    4. Her family visiting from out of town
    Show answer

    B. All aspects of New York City, including its characters, boutiques, and parties The description states Carrie is 'in love with all of it—the crazy characters in her neighborhood, the vintage-clothing boutiques, the wild parties, and the glamorous man who has swept her off her feet.'

  2. Question 2

    What is Carrie's main dream that she is taking her first steps toward fulfilling in New York City?

    1. Becoming a famous actress
    2. Opening her own vintage clothing store
    3. Becoming a successful writer
    4. Marrying a wealthy New Yorker
    Show answer

    C. Becoming a successful writer The summary explicitly mentions she's 'finally in a real writing class, taking her first steps toward fulfilling her dream.'

  3. Question 3

    Who gives Carrie the nickname 'country sparrow'?

    1. Miranda Hobbes
    2. Samantha Jones
    3. Her writing instructor
    4. Her glamorous boyfriend
    Show answer

    B. Samantha Jones The text states Carrie goes 'from being a country 'sparrow'—as Samantha Jones dubs her—to the person she always wanted to be.'

  4. Question 4

    What significant challenge does Carrie face as she navigates New York City?

    1. Finding affordable housing
    2. Reconciling her past with her future
    3. Making friends in a big city
    4. Dealing with a difficult boss
    Show answer

    B. Reconciling her past with her future The summary states, 'as it becomes increasingly difficult to reconcile her past with her future, Carrie realizes that making it in New York is much more complicated than she ever imagined.'

  5. Question 5

    What does this sequel reveal about Carrie's iconic friendships?

    1. How she broke up with her high school friends
    2. How she met Samantha and Miranda
    3. Her long-standing rivalry with Charlotte
    4. Her first argument with Mr. Big
    Show answer

    B. How she met Samantha and Miranda The description highlights that Candace Bushnell 'reveals the irresistible story of how Carrie met Samantha and Miranda'.

  6. Question 6

    The book is described as a sequel to which previous title?

    1. Sex and the City
    2. The Carrie Diaries
    3. Kissing in the Rain
    4. Manhattan Mayhem
    Show answer

    B. The Carrie Diaries The summary clearly states, 'This sequel to The Carrie Diaries brings surprising revelations'.

  7. Question 7

    What is the overall tone and style of Candace Bushnell's writing, as described in the summary?

    1. Melancholy and reflective
    2. Gritty and realistic
    3. Witty and humorous
    4. Suspenseful and mysterious
    Show answer

    C. Witty and humorous The last sentence mentions, 'With her signature wit and sparkling humor, Candace Bushnell reveals the irresistible story...'

  8. Question 8

    Beyond the characters and parties, what other specific aspect of New York City does Carrie love?

    1. The quiet libraries
    2. The financial district
    3. The vintage-clothing boutiques
    4. The historical museums
    Show answer

    C. The vintage-clothing boutiques The description lists 'the crazy characters in her neighborhood, the vintage-clothing boutiques, the wild parties' as things Carrie loves.

  9. Question 9

    What transformation does Carrie undergo, as hinted by Samantha Jones's nickname for her?

    1. From a cautious observer to a bold adventurer
    2. From a country 'sparrow' to the person she always wanted to be
    3. From an aspiring writer to a published author
    4. From a single girl to being in a committed relationship
    Show answer

    B. From a country 'sparrow' to the person she always wanted to be The text states she goes 'from being a country 'sparrow'—as Samantha Jones dubs her—to the person she always wanted to be.' This indicates a significant personal transformation.

  10. Question 10

    The summary implies that 'making it in New York' is more complex than Carrie initially believed. What makes it more complicated?

    1. The competitive job market for writers
    2. The difficulty of reconciling her past with her future
    3. The high cost of living in the city
    4. Dealing with the city's harsh winters
    Show answer

    B. The difficulty of reconciling her past with her future The summary explicitly states, 'as it becomes increasingly difficult to reconcile her past with her future, Carrie realizes that making it in New York is much more complicated than she ever imagined.'

Summer and the City FAQ

What is the central premise of 'Summer and the City'?

The novel follows Carrie Bradshaw's continued adventures in New York City during a pivotal summer. She's attending a writing class, falling for a glamorous man, and navigating the complexities of city life while trying to reconcile her small-town past with her burgeoning future as a writer and New Yorker.

Who are the key new characters Carrie Bradshaw encounters in this sequel?

Carrie meets Samantha Jones and Miranda Hobbes for the first time in this book, laying the groundwork for their iconic friendship. She also becomes involved with a charming older man named Julian, who introduces her to a more sophisticated side of New York life.

How does Carrie's writing class contribute to her character development?

The writing class is crucial for Carrie's aspirations, allowing her to develop her voice and pursue her dream of becoming a writer. It's a significant step toward her professional future, even as she grapples with the feedback and the challenges of the craft.

What major conflict does Carrie face regarding her past and future?

Carrie struggles to integrate her innocent, small-town persona from Castlebury with her evolving, more sophisticated identity in New York. This internal conflict is heightened by her relationship with Julian and her burgeoning friendships, forcing her to confront who she truly wants to become.

How does Samantha Jones first perceive Carrie, and what nickname does she give her?

Samantha initially views Carrie as a naive 'country sparrow,' a term she uses to highlight Carrie's perceived innocence and lack of urban savvy. This nickname reflects Samantha's more jaded and worldly perspective when they first meet.

What specific details reveal Carrie's early fascination with fashion in NYC?

Carrie's passion for vintage-clothing boutiques is a prominent detail, showcasing her unique style and resourcefulness in building her wardrobe. Her observations of street fashion and the way New Yorkers dress also contribute to her evolving fashion sensibilities.

How does Julian's character foreshadow elements of Carrie's future romantic relationships?

Julian, an older and more sophisticated man, represents Carrie's early attraction to complex, glamorous figures who offer a glimpse into a more adult world. This dynamic, involving a power imbalance and a sense of being swept off her feet, echoes patterns seen in later relationships like her connection with Mr. Big.

What subtle hints are given about Miranda Hobbes's future career or personality?

While not explicitly detailed, Miranda's pragmatic and no-nonsense demeanor, even in her youth, hints at her future as a successful, driven lawyer. Her directness and intelligence are early indicators of the sharp, independent woman she will become.

How does the 'magic' of New York City influence Carrie's emotional state?

The city's vibrant energy, diverse characters, and endless possibilities deeply enthrall Carrie, filling her with excitement and a sense of belonging. This initial enchantment provides a powerful emotional backdrop for her personal growth and her belief in her dreams.

What psychological impact does Carrie's relationship with Julian have on her self-perception?

Julian's attention and sophisticated lifestyle both flatter and challenge Carrie. While she enjoys the glamour, the relationship also forces her to confront her own youth and inexperience, leading to moments of insecurity and a desire to prove herself worthy.

How does Carrie's internal struggle between her 'country sparrow' self and her evolving New Yorker self manifest psychologically?

Psychologically, Carrie experiences cognitive dissonance as she tries to reconcile her past identity with her present aspirations. This manifests as self-doubt, a fear of not belonging, and a constant negotiation between her ingrained values and the new, often challenging, norms of city life.

What role does fantasy versus reality play in Carrie's early New York experience?

Carrie initially views New York through a romanticized lens, often blurring the lines between her idealized dreams and the harsh realities of city living. This struggle between fantasy and reality is a key psychological theme, as she learns that making it in New York is far more complicated than she imagined.

Is Carrie's rapid integration into the glamorous side of NYC realistic for a young newcomer?

The novel leans into the romanticized view of New York, allowing Carrie to quickly access glamorous parties and high-society circles through Julian. While some might argue it's an idealized portrayal for a young adult novel, it serves to accelerate her exposure to the 'unforgettable icons' she will become.

How does the book's title, 'Summer and the City,' reflect its core themes?

The title highlights the specific season, summer, as a period of intense growth and transformation for Carrie, akin to a 'summer fling' with the city itself. It emphasizes her deep connection and budding romance with New York, which becomes a character in its own right.

To what extent does 'Summer and the City' establish Carrie's signature voice as a writer?

The writing class subplot is pivotal, showing Carrie's early attempts to hone her narrative style. While not fully formed, the book provides glimpses of her witty observations and introspective musings, laying the groundwork for the distinctive voice that will define her future column.

Does the novel suggest that Carrie's relationships with Samantha and Miranda were fated, or a product of circumstance?

The narrative presents their initial meetings as serendipitous, a product of circumstance within the vibrant backdrop of New York City. However, the immediate chemistry and complementary personalities suggest a 'fated' quality, implying these friendships were always meant to be crucial to Carrie's journey.

How does the book challenge or reinforce traditional notions of 'making it' in a big city for a young woman?

The book both reinforces the dream of glamour and success in NYC but also challenges it by showing the emotional complexities and personal sacrifices involved. Carrie learns that 'making it' isn't just about external achievements but also about internal growth and reconciling one's identity.

What is the significance of the phrase 'from country sparrow to unforgettable icon' in describing Carrie's journey?

This phrase encapsulates Carrie's dramatic transformation, highlighting her initial innocence ('country sparrow') and her ultimate destiny as a cultural touchstone ('unforgettable icon'). It emphasizes the profound impact New York has on shaping her identity and public persona.

About the author

Candace Bushnell

Candace Bushnell

Candace Bushnell is an American author and columnist best known for her novel Sex and the City, which inspired the iconic television series. Her other notable works include "The Carrie Diaries" and "Summer and the City," which explore themes of modern relationships and female independence. Bushnell's writing style is characterized by its sharp wit and keen observations of social dynamics.

All 2 summaries of Candace Bushnell's books →

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