Do you regret settling for family v fame? One woman strives to answer this question during the pandemic

? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett is a beautifully crafted novel that explores the profound impact of choices, relationships, and personal growth. The narrative will transport you back and forth across time between the pandemic and the 1980s. The book centers around three adult sisters Emily, Maisie, and Nell, who are spending time at their family’s cherry orchard in northern Michigan during the early days of the covid-19 pandemic. Their mother, Lara Nelson, recalls her past short-term acting career, including a memorable role as Emily Gibbs in Thornton Wilder’s beloved play, Our Town, and also revealing her past romance with a famous actor, Peter Duke. The daughters were fascinated with the enigmatic Duke and wanted to know the details of their mother’s relationship with him. As her daughters get lost in their mother’s story, they find themselves confronting a new perspective on the world and challenging their preconceived notions. Patchett skillfully weaves multiple themes throughout the novel, including fame, ambition, talent, lost love, and the dichotomy between destiny and choice. She highlighted the impact of secrets and the consequences of revealing them, painting a vivid picture of the character's inner struggles and vulnerabilities.