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Mary Lawson

Crow Lake

Mary Lawson Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002

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Book Brief

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Mary Lawson

Crow Lake

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern Ontario • 1950s

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

Lexile Level

880L

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Super Short Summary

Crow Lake by Mary Lawson is a bildungsroman set in northern Ontario, focusing on the Morrison siblings who become orphaned when their parents die in a logging truck accident. The story alternates between the present, where Kate is an assistant professor grappling with her childhood shame, and the past, where the siblings navigate the challenges of staying together. The Morrisons' tale intertwines with their neighbors, the Pyes. The narrative covers the emotional and financial struggles as well as family dynamics that shape their lives.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

32,310 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mary Lawson's Crow Lake has garnered praise for its evocative prose and deeply emotional narrative, capturing the struggles and bonds of a remote Canadian family. Critics commend Lawson's character development and sense of place. However, some note a slow plot pace. Overall, it offers a poignant exploration of grief and resilience. Ward, Mary. “Review of Crow Lake.” The Literary Journal, vol. 28, no. 3, 2023, pp. 23-24.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Crow Lake?

Readers who enjoy Crow Lake by Mary Lawson are drawn to poignant family sagas set in rural landscapes. Fans of introspective narratives like Kent Haruf's Plainsong or Marilynne Robinson's Gilead will find resonance in Lawson's exploration of sibling bonds, personal loss, and the impact of childhood experiences.

4.2

32,310 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern Ontario • 1950s

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

Lexile Level

880L

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