A review by leahgustafson
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

emotional reflective relaxing slow-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

5.0

This is the first book I finished this year, and I already know it will be on my “Best of the Year” list. I loved everything about this one! 
• 
This is simultaneously a coming of age story and a reflective look at the past from a middle-aged narrator. It is looking back on a life well-lived with all the ups, downs, and turns along the way. I love how the family relationships were depicted, especially the relationships between sisters. 
• 
This book highlights the importance of stories, especially in difficult times (as it’s set during the COVID lockdown in the spring of 2020). It also illuminates how we CHOOSE to tell our stories. This is something I hadn’t thought much about previously. However, it leads to questions about how well we can truly know others and in this case, how well children can know their parents. 
• 
The Midwest charm filled my heart with so much joy! Also, while this is technically a pandemic novel, COVID is simply the backdrop that allows this story to happen. I enjoyed the duality Lara very beautifully articulates—the world is falling apart AND she feels immense gratitude for the opportunity to slow down and just “be” with her adult children. 
• 
This one absolutely lived up to the hype for me, and it’s one I will likely revisit someday. Meryl Streep is fantastic on the audio version if you’re looking for something good to listen to 🎧📖 
• 
Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings