pickAnn Patchett once said, “That moment when you write a single, perfect sentence is worth more than an entire box of biscuits.” In Tom Lake, she writes her sentence: “Sweet cherries must be picked today and every day until they‘re gone.” Simple & mundane on the surface, it‘s also the wisest counsel. In her novel, she shines a soft, springtime light on the juxtaposition & interplay of joy & sorrow, the sweet & the tart (& how both require work).👇🏻
monalyisha 1/2: This is true when she writes about the pandemic; Lara acknowledges that she can‘t pretend it‘s not happening nor can she pretend “that all of [us] being together doesn‘t fill me with joy. I understand that joy is inappropriate these days and still, we feel what we feel.” She writes, “Turn your head in one direction and it‘s hopeless despair…Turn your head in the other direction” — I pointed to the explosion of white petals out the window.” 15h
monalyisha 2/2: This is also true when she writes about romance, and, more profoundly for me, about mother-daughter relationships. She captures the tender and precious nature of the bond, the deep understanding and the deep misunderstanding. She perfectly & acutely grabs onto the sharp, sticking points, as well as the unmatched comfort of a head in a lap and of a soft hand brushing hair off of a forehead. I end in awe, as we should end all books & our lives. (edited) 15h
Julsmarshall I agree completely with every part of your amazing review! Well said! 15h
tpixie Great advice 🍒🍒🍒 14h
Amiable Wonderful review! 11h
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