This book has been likened to a giant hug. While it may seem simple in its quiet and reassuring way, there is so much depth behind every word and the story itself.
Set in the spring of 2020 during COVID lockdown, former actress Lara recalls her early romance with famous actor Peter Duke, from her summer memories during her stage time at Tom Lake. She does this to the wonderous fascination of her daughters, as they beg her for information while all together at their family cherry orchard in Michigan. Her daughters hang on to every word – some of the story they have heard, other parts are either misremembered or new to them.
Emily is poised to take over the cherry farm and is in love with Benny from the farm next door. Maisie is studying to be a vet and generously volunteers her time to all. Nell, the youngest, wants to be an actor but struggles with her own issues. Lara is careful not tell them all her secrets. The interactions between herself, her husband, Joe, and their children is utterly captivating.
This beautifully told story isn’t a love story, but rather a coming-of-age story, written through a stream of consciousness via Lara. Patchett deftly weaves complex family dynamics and unique characters, making you want to join them around the fire.
This story is told seamlessly through past and present timelines with beautiful and difficult descriptions of relationships, motherhood, mental health, love and choices.
Tom Lake is truly a masterclass in storytelling. It’s a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Reviewed by Linda Raiti
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHORANN PATCHETT is the author of nine novels. She was the editor of Best American Short Stories, 2006, and has written four books of nonfiction. In 2019, she published her first children’s book.
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, Patchett has been the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including a National Humanities Medal, England’s Women’s Prize, the PEN/Faulkner Award, the Harold D.
Ann Patchett lives in Nashville with her husband, Karl VanDevender, and their dog, Sparky.
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