I love Ann Patchett’s writing style. I read Bel Canto several years ago and was immediately captivated, and I have been a fan since. Tom Lake was just as beautiful and just as captivating. It’s an introspective novel that explores the complexities of love, family, youth, and what could have been. I knew I was in for a real treat from the moment I started reading.

The story revolves around Lara and her family as she recounts how she went from a small-town New Hampshire girl to an almost movie star and dated someone who eventually became one of Hollywood’s biggest leading men. It all started when she and a friend agreed to help sign people up for the community theatre production of Our Town in their small New Hampshire town. After watching several young women read for the role of Emily, Lara decides she can do it better, so she gives it a shot and ends up being cast. She is so convincing in the role that she meets someone who asks her to audition for a movie. She gets THAT role, and then when the movie is put on hold, she eventually finds herself playing Emily again in a summer stock production of Our Town in Michigan. This is where she meets a boy named Peter Duke, and thus sets the stage for the rest of the book.

The book alternates seamlessly between past and present as Lara’s three daughters – stuck working on the family’s cherry orchard during the pandemic – encourage their mother to share the story of Peter Duke, the new famous actor from her past. What follows is a poignant exploration of the relationships between mothers and daughters and the ways in which our past shapes our present.

One of the things I admire most about Ann Patchett’s writing is her ability to create deep, three-dimensional characters that feel incredibly real. Lara, the protagonist of Tom Lake, is a compelling and relatable figure. Her struggles, desires, and regrets are laid bare on the pages, and as is typical with many of Patchett’s characters, I quickly became emotionally invested in her journey. I was just as captivated as her daughters in her stories, and I loved getting the inside scoop on some of the things she remembers but chooses not to divulge to her daughters.

Speaking of the daughters, they are also wonderfully developed characters. Each has their own unique personality and voice, and their individual stories add depth and nuance to the overall narrative. Patchett carefully explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, highlighting the ways in which these bonds can be both nurturing and challenging.

Another aspect of the novel that I found particularly compelling was the exploration of time and its effects on relationships. Through Lara’s recollections and her daughters’ reactions, Patchett examines how our past experiences shape the way we navigate the present. She delves into the concept of nostalgia and the bittersweet nature of memory, reminding us that while the past can be beautiful, it can also be painful. I loved how the story unfolded and learning why she let the man destined to become a star go and how she ended up with her adorable husband.

In terms of writing style, Patchett’s prose is as poetic and evocative as ever. She has a way of painting vivid images with her words, transporting the reader to the idyllic beauty of the Michigan landscape. The orchard setting is lovingly described, and I could practically smell the cherry blossoms and taste the sweetness of the fruit. When she described the lake, I was there with the characters. Her attention to detail and her ability to create an atmosphere add richness to the story.

Tom Lake is a stunning novel that showcases Ann Patchett’s immense talent as a writer. With its well-drawn characters and profound exploration of love and family, it is a book that will stay with me. If you want an extra treat, check out the audiobook. Meryl Streep narrates it, and it is as exquisite as one would expect.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read, I highly recommend picking up Tom Lake. You won’t be disappointed.