Tom Lake, set in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, follows Lara Nelson, who along with her husband Joe and their daughters, Emily, Maisie, and Nell, retreats to their family farm in northern Michigan to harvest cherries. While working, Lara recounts her past relationship with the late movie star Peter Duke. Her story reflects on her brief acting career, summer romance with Duke at Tom Lake, and ultimately her lasting relationship with Joe. The narrative explores themes of love, family, and life's unexpected turns amidst the backdrop of a global crisis. Features depictions of alcohol addiction and misuse.

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett receives praise for its evocative storytelling, rich character development, and graceful prose. Some reviewers find the narrative pace leisurely, which may not appeal to action-oriented readers. Overall, the book is celebrated for its emotional depth and reflective exploration of relationships and memory.

Readers of Tom Lake by Ann Patchett are likely those who enjoy intricate family dynamics and reflective narratives. Fans of The Dutch House by the same author or Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout will appreciate the beautifully woven, character-driven stories that explore relationships and personal history.

Nostalgic / Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet / Heartwarming

**Lara Nelson**  
Lara is the protagonist of *Tom Lake*. At 57 years old in the present narrative, she reflects on her life from high school, where she played Emily in *Our Town*, to a pivotal summer at Tom Lake when she was 25. She has complex relationships with her three daughters and gains new intimacy with them by sharing her personal history.

**Emily Nelson**  
Emily, 26, is the eldest daughter of Lara and Joe. She lives on the family farm with her partner, Benny, and plans to take over its operations. Her choice not to have children impacts the future legacy of the farm and greatly affects her relationship with Lara.

**Maisie Nelson**  
Maisie is the 24-year-old middle daughter of Lara and Joe. She is in her second year of veterinary school and shows dedication by helping neighbors’ animals during the pandemic. Maisie is logical, reliable, and someone Lara rarely worries about.

**Nell Nelson**  
Nell, 22, is the youngest daughter of Lara and Joe. Her acting career is disrupted by the pandemic, and she struggles with finding purpose while back on the farm. Physically petite and coddled as the baby of the family, Nell is determined to become an actor and often reflects on storytelling.

**Joe Nelson**  
Joe is Lara's husband and a former theater director who now runs the family farm. His steady, self-effacing nature contrasts with that of the outgoing Duke. Joe feels the burden of the farm's future, especially with Emily's decision not to have children.

**Peter Duke**  
Peter Duke, though absent in the present narrative, is a central figure in the story. He was Lara’s first love, a charismatic figure who became a successful actor but struggled with alcohol use disorder. His influence on Lara and the family farm's legacy is profound.

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