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allison_green_'s review against another edition
3.0
3.5*
From the start, this story felt quite devastating.
A raw, character-driven and introspective domestic drama, Lake Life is a novel about family and loss. It’s lyrically written, emotional and at moments, unflinching.
I was immediately intrigued by the tone of dysfunction, the periodically wrenching lines, sometimes brutal in their shock, and the subtle yet pervasive undercurrent of shared resentment. There was this sense that the characters—despite being partners, lovers or family—didn't really like themselves or each other; that they’d been betrayed in some way; that they’re not satisfied with their lives and are therefore left with an insatiable desire to seek satisfaction in other, often self-destructive, ways including alcohol, addiction and infidelity.
For the Starlings, their summer lake house seems to serve as an escape from their problems and a symbol of past happiness. When a sudden, unexpected tragedy occurs at the start of their last vacation before the home is sold, it not only upends the fantasy of a perfect weekend together, but also triggers many unwanted flaws, griefs and fears.
“This family. These miserable, well-meaning people.”
I really liked reading from multiple points of view. Stubborn and disconnected, angry and even cruel at times, these characters weren’t perfect. Lisa and Richard (the parents), Michael and Thad (their sons), and Diane and Jake (their son’s partners) were each unhappy in their own way. They had struggles and secrets. And their histories were messy and sad. But it was fascinating to see how they interacted with each other, how they changed their minds and, ultimately, how things unfolded between them.
“Everyone said how good the chicken was, everyone lying, everyone knowing everyone was lying and saying nothing, because that’s what families do.”
Unfortunately, I wasn’t too impressed with the ending. I didn’t mind that it was hopeful, but considering how damaged these characters were (and still are), it felt a bit too neat. Their troubles won’t end here. Difficult decisions were made and the hard work has just begun. Yet we’re left to say goodbye and wish them the best.
From the start, this story felt quite devastating.
A raw, character-driven and introspective domestic drama, Lake Life is a novel about family and loss. It’s lyrically written, emotional and at moments, unflinching.
I was immediately intrigued by the tone of dysfunction, the periodically wrenching lines, sometimes brutal in their shock, and the subtle yet pervasive undercurrent of shared resentment. There was this sense that the characters—despite being partners, lovers or family—didn't really like themselves or each other; that they’d been betrayed in some way; that they’re not satisfied with their lives and are therefore left with an insatiable desire to seek satisfaction in other, often self-destructive, ways including alcohol, addiction and infidelity.
For the Starlings, their summer lake house seems to serve as an escape from their problems and a symbol of past happiness. When a sudden, unexpected tragedy occurs at the start of their last vacation before the home is sold, it not only upends the fantasy of a perfect weekend together, but also triggers many unwanted flaws, griefs and fears.
“This family. These miserable, well-meaning people.”
I really liked reading from multiple points of view. Stubborn and disconnected, angry and even cruel at times, these characters weren’t perfect. Lisa and Richard (the parents), Michael and Thad (their sons), and Diane and Jake (their son’s partners) were each unhappy in their own way. They had struggles and secrets. And their histories were messy and sad. But it was fascinating to see how they interacted with each other, how they changed their minds and, ultimately, how things unfolded between them.
“Everyone said how good the chicken was, everyone lying, everyone knowing everyone was lying and saying nothing, because that’s what families do.”
Unfortunately, I wasn’t too impressed with the ending. I didn’t mind that it was hopeful, but considering how damaged these characters were (and still are), it felt a bit too neat. Their troubles won’t end here. Difficult decisions were made and the hard work has just begun. Yet we’re left to say goodbye and wish them the best.
tenlini's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
janey's review against another edition
4.0
This reminded me of Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance, only not boring or uncomfortable. Just that it is a group of people who really have only one thing in common - unhappiness. It is sad, and thoughtful, and frustrating and comforting.
deedireads's review against another edition
4.0
All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.
TL;DR REVIEW:
Lake Life is a fast-paced, character-driven family drama that tackles heavy themes and yet still feels right as a summer read.
For you if: You like family dramas.
FULL REVIEW:
Big thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending me an advanced copy of this book for review!
I don’t usually read very many books that you’d see billed as a “beach read.” (I like to be left sobbing on the floor, thank you very much.) And while Lake Life isn’t *quite* what I’d call a beach read, it still felt like a good choice for a hot, lazy summer weekend. This family drama is fast-paced, juicy, can’t-look-away, sooooo many secrets coming to light. But it also addresses some heavy, real-life stuff (see trigger warnings) that makes it feel like anything but fluff.
The story is about a family — a set of older parents, two adult sons, and the sons’ partners — as they all gather at the family’s summer home for one last vacation. At the end of the week, the parents are selling it in preparation for their retirement to Florida. But right as they’re settling in for the trip, they see something terrible happen, and it shakes up everyone’s emotions enough that a plethora of closely held secrets can’t help but come out.
This book really is a classic family drama. Each character in the book is vivid and distinct, and by the end, you’ll have come to root for (and also kind of hate) all of them. Poissant drops them into a setting where they can’t get away, prods them around, dials up the stakes, flames the tension, and lets it explode. We, the readers, can’t help but watch as all these pieces fly into the air, so curious as to when and how they will land.
Ultimately, this book is about parenthood, marriage, family, grief, the nature of family secrets, and how we care for ourselves and those we love best. I especially recommend it if you’re usually a literary fiction reader but looking for something faster-paced than your norm.
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Death of a child — drowning; Alcoholism; Suicidal ideation, memory of attempts; Pregnancy, miscarriage scare; Death of an infant — SIDS/suffocation; Infidelity
TL;DR REVIEW:
Lake Life is a fast-paced, character-driven family drama that tackles heavy themes and yet still feels right as a summer read.
For you if: You like family dramas.
FULL REVIEW:
Big thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending me an advanced copy of this book for review!
I don’t usually read very many books that you’d see billed as a “beach read.” (I like to be left sobbing on the floor, thank you very much.) And while Lake Life isn’t *quite* what I’d call a beach read, it still felt like a good choice for a hot, lazy summer weekend. This family drama is fast-paced, juicy, can’t-look-away, sooooo many secrets coming to light. But it also addresses some heavy, real-life stuff (see trigger warnings) that makes it feel like anything but fluff.
The story is about a family — a set of older parents, two adult sons, and the sons’ partners — as they all gather at the family’s summer home for one last vacation. At the end of the week, the parents are selling it in preparation for their retirement to Florida. But right as they’re settling in for the trip, they see something terrible happen, and it shakes up everyone’s emotions enough that a plethora of closely held secrets can’t help but come out.
This book really is a classic family drama. Each character in the book is vivid and distinct, and by the end, you’ll have come to root for (and also kind of hate) all of them. Poissant drops them into a setting where they can’t get away, prods them around, dials up the stakes, flames the tension, and lets it explode. We, the readers, can’t help but watch as all these pieces fly into the air, so curious as to when and how they will land.
Ultimately, this book is about parenthood, marriage, family, grief, the nature of family secrets, and how we care for ourselves and those we love best. I especially recommend it if you’re usually a literary fiction reader but looking for something faster-paced than your norm.
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Death of a child — drowning; Alcoholism; Suicidal ideation, memory of attempts; Pregnancy, miscarriage scare; Death of an infant — SIDS/suffocation; Infidelity
itouchmyshelf's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I just finished reading this story, and I have to say I was surprised at how much and how quickly I was sucked into the story line. The characters felt so very real, and being a similar age to the sons, and dealing with failings like them, made them likable. I enjoyed reading about a family that isn’t perfect, but instead is “real”. Each relationship was felt - husband/wife, mother/son, sister-in-law/boyfriend, and was portrayed as complicated as relationships can be. For a family that clearly isn’t super close and has many secrets among them, pretty much all of them get put front and center.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I can see it might be a tough read for someone with young kids or who has lost a child. Maybe also a boring read for someone with a “perfect” life. Does that exist, or are they just pretending?
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