Book notes: Tom Lake

Plus some other books that are living in my head rent free

Book reviews to me are like an intimate look into someone else’s thoughts and emotions. Everyone will experience a story differently based on their own experiences and beliefs. ‘Book Notes’ is a series where I talk about the books I read, what I thought, and how it made me feel. If you’ve read any of the books listed below, I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments too. Let’s get to know each other 💭

Book no. 19 - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

“There is no explaining this simple truth about life: you will forget much of it. The painful things you were certain you’d never be able to let go? Now you’re not entirely sure when they happened, while the thrilling parts, the heart-stopping joys, splintered and scattered and became something else. Memories are then replaced by different joys and larger sorrows, and unbelievably, those things get knocked aside as well, until one morning you’re picking cherries with your three grown daughters and your husband goes by on the Gator and you are positive that this is all you’ve ever wanted in the world.”A mother recounts the story of her life to her three daughters, specifically the chapter of her life where she dates Peter Duke—a famous movie star. What starts as a fun memory soon becomes a touching and achingly-real story about a young woman figuring our her path and learning that sometimes you have to give up everything to finally get what was meant for you.

I listened to Tom Lake on audible and although I will probably purchase a physical copy, I adored the spoken version. First off, the audible edition is narrated by Meryl Streep and I honestly can’t think of a better voice for it. Secondly, because the format included story-telling within the story, it worked perfectly in audio form.

The book starts of feeling a little confusing but also intriguing. I love that Patchett gets you invested in Lara’s story immediately and when you find out there’s that extra layer, it becomes all the more interesting. I loved the way she weaved the characters in slowly, not giving them names or identities until their roles became important. It made the story feel like it was unraveling in front of my eyes—almost like you’re watching a movie.

There wasn’t a character I didn’t fall in love with, even with their faults and flaws shown so clearly. It’s one of those books that lives in my head rent free, more as a lingering feeling (which usually are the types that stay in my memory much longer)

Favorite quotes:

We clump together in our sorrow. In joy we may wander off in our separate directions, but in sorrow we prefer to hold hands.

The rage dissipates along with the love, and all we’re left with is a story.

Turned out to be the thing that saved me: the knowledge that I could get back by myself.

Book no. 20 - The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei*

After a heist gone wrong, one of the world’s best thieves has gone into retirement. Maya Hoshimoto settles into a quiet scholarly life back on Earth, believing she was ready for peace. That is until she receives a heist offer that hits her with an impossible choice. Save an entire species or space-travel as she knows it. Either way, it looks like she’s got a new job…

I’ve never been disappointed by a sci-fi novel but I’m not sure this one hit the mark. Some of my past favorites include Project Hail Mary and This is How You Lose The Time war, both of which were 5-star reads. There’s always an ethical-questioning in this genre, as if we’re trying to paint these hypothetical scenarios to test whether humanity could survive knowing we’re not the only intelligent ones.

Yume Kitasei’s descriptions of friendship, sacrifice, and honour is poignant and relatable. Yet something in the story fell flat. Near the 85-90% mark, I already sensed that maybe the ending wouldn’t wrap up as neatly as I had hoped. I was almost questioning whether this was the first book of a series, that there would be more to come. It felt like we were taken for a ride only to be left hanging as soon as we crossed the finish line.

Favorite quotes:

We fail, and we keep trying anyway. What I've seen is, life seeks other life. Humanity spent so many years looking skyward hoping we weren't alone.

You can’t live in the universe without leaving footprints. You leave an impact wherever you go.

You think you're own thoughts and that is beautiful. Haman nature is so delightfully chaotic. You fight with each other, you even fight with yourself in your own mind.

Book no. 21 - The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

Lucrezia de Medici was born wild. Despite being the daughter of a grand duke, she prefers the company of trees and animals to her siblings and family in the palazzo. When her older sister dies on the night of her wedding, Lucrezia’s freedom is threatened. All eyes are on her as the ruler of Ferrara has chosen her to be his replacement wife. Having barely left girlhood behind, she’s now faced with a troubled court, a reputation to uphold, and a husband that may not be all that he seems. Will she survive the fate of her own life? Or will chains of her duty finally break her.

This was my first Maggie O’Farrell book, and I adored her writing in this. You felt everything that Lucre felt as she jumps back and forth in a dual timeline story, leading us up to the moment of her potential demise. The imagery in this book is a perfect reflection of O’Farrell’s attention to the craft. Her way with metaphors leaves you chasing for a deeper meaning that feels just out of reach. Her words make you want to pause and absorb what you have read which is a rare skill in today’s writing.

This is a story about duty, intuition, and the powerlessness of a woman in a patriarchal society. It was a sordid reminder to never take for granted the independence and voice that women have fought so hard to earn.

Favorite quotes:

Wedding gown waits; You can sense it behind her, biding its time, its empty shape poised to encase her body.

She is, Lucrezia thinks, like a shattered windowpane, her whole being splintered into crazed fractures.

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Angel xo

*Gifted from Aardvark