I recently acquired a relatively new book by Ann Patchett called “Tom Lake,” and what makes it truly exceptional is the fact that Meryl Streep narrates the audiobook version. It’s an absolute delight to listen to; today I initially intended to dedicate only an hour to it, but I’m already halfway through!
About the book:
In the spring of 2020, Lara’s three daughters returned to the family orchard in Northern Michigan. While they were picking cherries, they implored their mother to share the tale of Peter Duke, a renowned actor she had both shared a stage and a romance with during their time at a theater company called Tom Lake.
As Lara delved into her memories of the past, her daughters began to reflect on their own lives and their relationship with their mother. This journey led them to reevaluate their understanding of the world and everything they had assumed.
Tom Lake explores the themes of youthful love, married love, and the lives their parents had led before their birth. It’s a narrative that balances hope and elegy, delving into the essence of happiness even in a world that seems to be crumbling. Ann Patchett’s signature narrative artistry blends seamlessly with profound insights into family dynamics, resulting in a luminous and emotionally subtle story that reaffirms her status as one of today’s most respected and celebrated literary talents.
