A review by rosa_lina96
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

There is no explaining this simple truth about life: you will forget much of it. The painful things you were certain you'd never be able to let go? Now you're not entirely sure when they happened, while the thrilling parts, the heart-stopping joys, splintered and scattered and became something else. Memories are then replaced by different joys and larger sorrows, and unbelievably, those things get knocked aside as well, until one morning you're picking cherries with your three grown daughters and your husband goes by on the Gator and you are positive that this is all you've ever wanted in the world.

Wow. What a book. What a beautiful, emotional book about young love, family bonds, and how sometimes what you think are failures in life are actually leading you to exactly where you're meant to be. If the thread of the story hadn't been somewhat lost in a few places, the star rating would be even higher for me. As it was, it was a lovely and worthwhile read, and the quote above is going to stick in my mind for a long while. 
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