This novel makes us ask: which versions of our memories are to be believed? Is it really true that the protagonist has all that she’s ever wanted? Is she hiding something? From whom? I disagree with the reviewer who described this novel as “bucolically simple.” What about the reference to the ending of King Lear – “Never, never, never, never, never”? Think about it! Ann Patchett surprised me by delaying important information that I hadn’t anticipated — information that made me go back to the beginning and see clues that are scattered like shards of glass. Don’t underestimate Ann Patchett!
Patchett, Ann. Tom Lake. Harper, 2023, p. 116.
Thanks for posting this Tom Lake review. I am listening to the audio book (fabulously narrated by Meryl Streep!) It is fantastic! I still have 2 hours left to go, I don’t want it to end, and I am already wondering where I can find another story this good. You are right about being surprised by the delaying of important information that I didn’t anticipate. I am looking forward to my last 2 hour of more surprises.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you again, for this recommendation.