Scan barcode
nmclaury's review against another edition
3.0
I liked that we got to see the perspective of each of the characters, but all of the characters were extremely unlikeable. The end was a tiny bit redeeming, though I don't have high hopes for any of them
annissajoy's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very good debut novel. The chapters being written from 6 different points of view flowed very well!! A real story about family struggles...death, alcohol and drug addiction, marital affairs and so much more. I look forward to another book by this author.
mustreadmorris's review against another edition
3.0
“But this is the way of families. The inconsequential elevated to the imperative.”
While Lake Life got a bit long in the tooth for me, Poissant’s writing captures the nuance of family life.
While Lake Life got a bit long in the tooth for me, Poissant’s writing captures the nuance of family life.
anagalindo94's review against another edition
4.0
Las familias felices se parecen unas a otras, pero cada familia infeliz lo es a su manera no ?? Me gustó mucho, una familia separada y después reunida tras una tragedia. Buenos personajes y buenos diálogos
candegelabert's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tamipuig's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
4.5
tali's review against another edition
4.0
Me gustó bastante. Es una lectura muy de verano. Historias simples pero con trasfondo complejos.
Me copó que cada capítulo está narrado desde el POV de uno de los personajes y va rotando. Entonces sabes que piensa/le pasa al personaje en cada momento.
La traducción esta muy argentinizada y es RARISIMO pero zafa
Me copó que cada capítulo está narrado desde el POV de uno de los personajes y va rotando. Entonces sabes que piensa/le pasa al personaje en cada momento.
La traducción esta muy argentinizada y es RARISIMO pero zafa
bookcrazyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
The Starling family has always vacationed at Lake Christopher-that is, until Richard and Lisa Sterling decide you sell the family vacation home to move down to Florida, following an affair that Richard had, which Lisa felt broke their agreement. Their grown children, Michael, whose both an alcoholic with a pregnant wife Diane and is struggling with becoming a father and Thad, whose relationship with pot is exceptional while his relationship with his boyfriend Jake is failing are also included within this narrative. A small boy drowns in the lake in front of them, which causes the family to confront its issues within this stunning family narrative. This is a novel that dives deep into addiction (sex, drugs, alcohol), fidelity issues (cheating, open relationships vs monogamy), infant and child loss, conversion camps and current (well, 2018) day politics. It’s a book that takes these issues on with a steady perspective, dropping each person’s views on the subject in an individual and group setting. It’s fascinating tale of how despite everyone being individuals, at the end of the day, family is family. Mistakes are made, fights are had but no one comes together like family does.
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
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