
“Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett
Tom Lake is a lovely story of a family who lives on a cherry farm in Northern Michigan. During the 2020 pandemic, Joe and Lara’s three grown daughter’s return to the farm and the family begins to navigate life together again. The girls work in the cherry fields with their parents, and after persistent begging from her daughters, Lara begins telling them the story of a famous actor, Peter Duke, whom she acted with and dated in her early 20s.
As the story unfolds, their mother’s life experiences eventually lead them to her time on the stage, as well as past romances, eventually landing at a theater company called Tom Lake and her relationship with Peter Duke. Patchett’s storytelling, alternates between the two time periods, effectively engrossing the reader in the tale.

For the girls, who begin examining their own lives as they learn stories about their mother, it becomes both revealing and moving. Learning about their parents lives before they were part of it, is at times confusing and yet also hopeful; fostering a reexamination of their relationship with their mother and each other. Themes of family, growing up, love, and understanding run throughout.
I enjoy reading a good book, although listening to them can also be quite enjoyable. This one, narrated by Meryl Streep, is a perfect listening piece. Her soothing animated voice helps bring the story to life.
Ann Patchett has written many notorious books, including Bel Canto and The Dutch House. Be sure to check her website for more information about her and all of her novels.