{"id":6271,"date":"2023-08-05T12:43:24","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T12:43:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/?p=6271"},"modified":"2024-03-31T19:15:35","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T19:15:35","slug":"book-review-tom-lake-by-ann-patchett","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/book-review-tom-lake-by-ann-patchett\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:150.74626865672%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>If you own a hammock, a vintage porch swing, or a snug bay window seat, Ann Patchett&rsquo;s latest book, &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3DKmEG4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tom Lake<\/a>,&rdquo; will transport you there mentally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s as if this novel has the power to disrupt your fitness tracker, even if you&rsquo;re just strolling around with Meryl Streep narrating the audiobook in your ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3qbJd3j\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3qbJd3j\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tom Lake<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> by Ann Patchett<\/h5>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3qbJd3j\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tom_lake_book.webp\" alt=\"tom_lake_book\" class=\"wp-image-2735\" width=\"201\" height=\"303\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tom_lake_book.webp 530w, https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tom_lake_book-199x300.webp 199w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 201px) 100vw, 201px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20201%20303'%3E%3Crect%20width='201'%20height='303'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"tom_lake_book\" class=\"wp-image-2735 eager-load\" width=\"201\" height=\"303\" title=\"\" sizes=\"(max-width: 201px) 100vw, 201px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tom_lake_book.webp\" data-mvt-skip=\"src\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tom_lake_book.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tom_lake_book.webp 530w, https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tom_lake_book-199x300.webp 199w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n<p>Ann Patchett is a celebrated figure in American literature, known for her novels, memoirs, and essays. She even established an independent bookstore in Nashville to stand against the Amazon giant. She&rsquo;s like the literary Aunt everyone loves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her personal family history, complex and explicitly revealed after her semi-autobiographical work &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Kpr7Sf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Commonwealth<\/a>&rdquo; in 2016, adds depth to her storytelling. The themes of family intricacies continue in &ldquo;Tom Lake.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the story<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The novel invites you into a beautifully simple family setting, reminiscent of a nuclear family in its pre-modern definition. This time, the story revolves around three sisters in their twenties, situated on their parents&rsquo; cherry orchard in northern Michigan during the recent pandemic. Thornton Wilder&rsquo;s influence is palpable in the narrative, reminiscent of &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Yr903Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Our Town<\/a>.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lara, the mother of the sisters, shares her past as an actress during lockdown, creating a sense of tranquility despite the challenges. Flashbacks take us through Lara&rsquo;s acting career, especially her role as Emily in &ldquo;Our Town.&rdquo; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The story uncovers Lara&rsquo;s connections with Peter Duke, her former co-star and ex-boyfriend who went on to become a famous celebrity. The novel examines the concept of inheritance, both in terms of genetics and life experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The daughters&rsquo; eagerness to know their mother&rsquo;s past reveals Lara&rsquo;s life lessons &ndash; that moments of loss and triumph aren&rsquo;t fixed, evolving over time. The novel has a rustic charm, occasionally simplifying complex themes. While interruptions by the cherry orchard may frustrate, they serve the narrative&rsquo;s purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Underneath the surface<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Beneath the surface, there lies a touching vulnerability in Lara&rsquo;s daughters &ndash; their emotional resonance akin to delicate, bruised fruit. Lara&rsquo;s purpose in sharing her experiences is to demonstrate that seemingly definitive moments of loss and triumph carry a malleability, an ability to transform over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Lara unfurls her memories before her daughters like a cherished embroidered tablecloth, she unveils the fluidity of life&rsquo;s highs and lows. The profundity of the forgotten and the transformation of joy and pain emerge as central motifs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there&rsquo;s an undeniable rustic charm to the novel, occasionally carrying a plain-spoken wisdom that may border on simplification, it navigates its own sentimentality with a measured hand. Even as the story confronts expected turns, the emotional thread remains steadfast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The interruptions caused by the cherry orchard&rsquo;s activities may frustrate initially, yet they seamlessly align with Patchett&rsquo;s intention to convey the essence of storytelling, emphasizing the art of revelation and restraint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family vibes<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>What really shines in &ldquo;Tom Lake&rdquo; is that cozy family feeling. You&rsquo;ll find yourself wrapped up in country traditions and sayings, feeling like you&rsquo;re right there with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lara adds a special flavor to the family dynamic with her past as an actress. It&rsquo;s like a splash of something unexpected that makes the family even more interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Patchett has this way of sharing little nuggets of wisdom that make you think about life. The book isn&rsquo;t just about the family &ndash; it touches on stuff like how we affect the environment and how time just keeps moving on. But it&rsquo;s not a heavy read. It&rsquo;s more like a gentle reminder to appreciate the small things and the connections we have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ldquo;Tom Lake&rdquo; may differ from Patchett&rsquo;s previous work, yet it accomplishes a unique feat by portraying a life&rsquo;s essence through cumulative insights. Lara&rsquo;s middle age becomes a canvas for reflection, ultimately celebrating the transformation of past wounds into cherished stories. The novel invites readers to find solace in their own narratives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>&ldquo;Tom Lake&rdquo; paints a cozy and folksy picture, filled with pies, quilts, and rural charm. Patchett weaves in country sayings and traditions, creating a warm atmosphere. Lara, despite her age, stands out in rural Michigan, adding to the unique character of the story. The book captures the essence of domestic happiness and generational ties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Patchett&rsquo;s subtle wisdom shines through the novel, offering insights into life&rsquo;s truths and the importance of cherishing small moments. The narrative touches on the impact of human actions on the environment and the fleeting nature of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While not aiming to provoke, &ldquo;Tom Lake&rdquo; exudes a gentle reassurance, reminding readers of the beauty in everyday life and the connections that span generations. It&rsquo;s a book that invites you to recline on a comfortable blanket and bask in the soothing glow of Patchett&rsquo;s storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re looking for book club discussion questions for Tom Lake, <a href=\"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/book-club-questions-for-tom-lake-by-ann-patchett\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">click here<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you own a hammock, a vintage porch swing, or a snug bay window seat, Ann Patchett&rsquo;s latest book, &ldquo;Tom Lake,&rdquo; will transport you there mentally. It&rsquo;s as if this &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6275,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[19,25],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review.webp",1200,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review-300x200.webp",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review-768x512.webp",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review-1024x683.webp",1024,683,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review.webp",1200,800,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review.webp",1200,800,false],"mv_trellis_1x1":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review-728x728.webp",728,728,true],"mv_trellis_3x4":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review-546x728.webp",546,728,true],"mv_trellis_4x3":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review-728x546.webp",728,546,true],"mv_trellis_16x9":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review-728x410.webp",728,410,true],"mv_trellis_srcset-960":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review-960x640.webp",960,640,true],"mv_trellis_srcset-1080":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review-1080x720.webp",1080,720,true],"1200x1200":["https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/tom_lake_book_review.webp",1200,800,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Luka","author_link":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/author\/luka\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"If you own a hammock, a vintage porch swing, or a snug bay window seat, Ann Patchett&rsquo;s latest book, &ldquo;Tom Lake,&rdquo; will transport you there mentally. It&rsquo;s as if this &hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6271"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6271"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6271\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6278,"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6271\/revisions\/6278"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6271"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6271"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wroteabook.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}