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A review by allison_green_
Lake Life by David James Poissant
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.