43 pages • 1 hour read
Crow Lake
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Northern Ontario • 1950s
2002
Adult
16+ years
880L
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
32,310 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
32,310 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Luke Morrison
Luke Morrison
The oldest Morrison sibling, who drops out of school to take care of his sisters after their parents' death.
Matt Morrison
Matt Morrison
The second-oldest Morrison sibling, known for his intelligence and love of nature, who is very close to Kate.
Bo Morrison
Bo Morrison
The youngest Morrison sibling, who is a baby for much of the novel and later becomes a cook.
Daniel Crane
Daniel Crane
Kate's boyfriend and a zoology professor, who comes from a highly educated family.
Aunt Annie
Aunt Annie
The sister of the Morrison siblings’ father, who helps the family after the parents' death.
Calvin Pye
Calvin Pye
The patriarch of the Pye family and employer of Matt and Luke, known for being aggressive and abusive.
Marie Pye
Marie Pye
The oldest daughter of Calvin and Alice Pye, who shares a school year with Matt and has a difficult home life.
Laurie Pye
Laurie Pye
Calvin and Alice Pye's son, who suffers from his father's violence and trusts Matt and Luke.
320
Novel • Fiction
Northern Ontario • 1950s
2002
Adult
16+ years
880L
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