Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays)'s Reviews > Tom Lake

“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.”

Loved this book and Meryl Streep's narration. Patchett's writing is so deep and nuanced, if you don't take care, you might miss all of her beautifully turned words and phrases.
Everything about this novel--a mother telling her three adult daughters the story of one part of her life, weaving together the strands of how she has come to the place she is now...it's all so gorgeously written. It's funny, sad, meaningful, and mundane.

Books set during the pandemic are a touchy thing, but this one uses the topic brilliantly. It captures the feelings and fears and puts them through a different lens and perspective which will resonate with readers.

A really lovely book that I won't soon forget.