Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023)

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023)

A nostalgic story of life and love told by a mother to her three daughters.

Laura’s Rating: 3/5 Stars

Plot: During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, Lara and her family are together on their farm in Michigan. To pass the time while picking cherries, Lara, a former actress, recounts the story of her youth and her romance with a famous actor to her three daughters.

Analysis: Lara recounts her brief acting career, telling her daughters about her friendships, relationships, and experiences. The daughters are a little annoying, telling their mother that she can’t call someone crazy, can’t describe them just based on appearance, and offering other critiques. It’s like the author wants to put in little disclaimers while still staying authentic to the character of Lara, who isn’t sensitive to those things. 

The covid background is present, but not overwhelming or forced like I’ve seen in other pandemic-set books. 

The book has some beautifully written prose, but it’s so boring at times. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meryl Streep, which I enjoyed, but I still found it difficult to stay focused the entire time. The plot is just so slow moving and not very action packed, so I struggled to stay engaged.

I liked this book but it felt like it took me forever to get through. If you’re looking for something slow paced, pretty, and gentle, Tom Lake is for you.