Reviews with content warning for Abortion - Tom Lake

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Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

164 reviews

ressicajicks's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Beautifully written and beautifully read by Meryl Streep. The pacing might have been too slow for me had I not listened to the audiobook, but I am so glad I did. Springtime in the year that I am the same age as Emily, the year that I will marry my Joe Nelson, was the perfect time in my life to have experienced this novel on walks around my neighborhood with my neighbors’ flower beds in bloom. I am so so lucky.

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rmcassel's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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libbyloveslattes's review

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emotional funny inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Tom Lake was the first novel I’ve read by Ann Patchett but it certainly will not be the last. Absolutely breathtaking. I’ve never wanted to be a cherry farmer in Michigan more than I do after reading the luscious descriptions. The prose was exceptional, everything was written so beautifully. The plot wasn’t action-packed yet I found myself staying up late at night reading. More than anything, I love how a simple life, a loving marriage, and family are held in such high esteem. Readers see the glamorous lifestyle of an actress and the physically wearying lifestyle of a farmer held in contrast, but in such a way that the trials of the latter are preferable to the vanity and destructive nature of the former. This is likely going to be my favorite book this year: I want to read it again just for the descriptions of nature alone.

As far as content goes,there was a bit more spice than I prefer, but very few (if any) vivid descriptions. Most everything that happened sexually was implied only; I don’t remember any specific descriptions of sexual activity.

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slefebvre95's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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cassiealexandra's review against another edition

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4.25

I put this on my TBR long enough ago that I did not remember or realize it was set during the pandemic. This could be sensitive for some readers so I’m pointing it out from the start. I had a mixed reaction to this book overall. While I thought the writing was beautiful and it was expertly crafted, there were some parts I struggled with.

The story framing was very interesting to me. I liked that it took a look at Lara’s coming-of-age through the lens of her telling her grown daughters about it. I appreciated the look at nostalgia, suffering (worldwide), legacy, contentment, and the sweet and deep love between husband and wife and family. I was also surprised by the moments of humor in a somewhat serious read.

There were a couple of plot points that seemed to come out of nowhere for me; they seemed nearly unnecessary. The pacing also seemed to slow down at a couple points and I would have preferred it staying steady. I also got confused at a couple of points because of the way the story was framed and reading by audio. I think some of these confusing moments could have been cleared up had I read it in print. And speaking of the audio, I hate to say it, but I had a difficult time with Meryl Streep. I couldn’t keep myself from picturing her instead of picturing our character, Lara, and that was a slight distraction throughout.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and appreciated the writing style and themes, but I think I may have liked the experience more in print.

— NOTES —
Genres: literary fiction
POV: first-person, singular
Content: pandemic, infidelity, death of loved ones (a couple other things that are spoilers)
Romance: mostly vague implied intimacy and a couple minor sexual situations

— MY RATING CONSIDERATIONS —
(all out of 5)
Pace: 4
Enjoyment: 4
Craft: 5
My Gut Feeling: 4
Total Stars: 4.25

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mariecurie04's review

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

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thalia16's review

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emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I'm a ride or die Ann Patchett fan, but this book just didn't have the magic for me. Judging books by their cover is often misleading in a pleasantly surprising way, however this one unfortunately aligned very closely with its cover: outdated (despite taking place during an incredibly contemporary world event) and not very exciting.

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