Friday, February 21, 2014

Review: Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

Genre: Fiction/Magical Realism
Publication Date: 21st January 2014
Pages: 296
Book Source: St Martin's Press & NetGalley

Synopsis: Suley, Georgia, is home to Lost Lake Cottages and not much else. Which is why it's the perfect place for newly-widowed Kate and her eccentric eight-year-old daughter Devin to heal. Kate spent one memorable childhood summer at Lost Lake, had her first almost-kiss at Lost Lake, and met a boy named Wes at Lost Lake. It was a place for dreaming. But Kate doesn't believe in dreams anymore, and her Aunt Eby, Lost Lake's owner, wants to sell the place and move on. Lost Lake's magic is gone. As Kate discovers that time has a way of standing still at Lost Lake can she bring the cottages—and her heart—back to life? Because sometimes the things you love have a funny way of turning up again. And sometimes you never even know they were lost . . . until they are found.

My Thoughts:
Lost Lake is just delightful. It's been a while since I read Sarah Addison Allen and I had forgotten how much I adore her writing. Lost Lake felt like coming home. 

I loved the cast of quirky characters, Kate and her daughter Devin, Aunt Eby, Kate's great aunt and owner of Lost Lake, Lisette, locked in the past, irrepressible friends Selma and Bulahdeen, George and Wes. As much as I'd love to rave on about all of them, I won't. Half the magic lies in their stories and discovering yourself, how they fit.

Lost Lake is one of those magical places where all things seem possible. It's a story of love and healing, family, friendship. For me, one of the many highlights of Lost Lake was the strength and beauty of female relationships, the camaraderie and banter was just so endearing and completely infectious.  

Bulahdeen put her notebook in her purse, then stood stiffly. “Selma, we’re going to the store. I need to get more wine.” 
Selma was filing her nails at the next table. “Why do you need so much wine? Doesn’t alcohol interfere with your medication?”
“I don't take any medication.”
“That explains a lot, “ Selma said, blowing emery-board dust off her fingertips.


I really enjoyed the author's trademark, magical realism. A number of separate magical elements; the alligator, Selma's love charms, come together seamlessly within the contemporary story ... a contemporary story with old world charm. And Sarah's lyrical writing holds you right in the moment, creating effortlessly, a beautiful sense of time and place.

The bell over the restaurant door rang, and yellow light from inside melted into the fog like butter. 

Whilst dealing with sad themes the whole story really felt ... joyful. I didn't want to leave the magic of Lost Lake.

and bravo to Sarah Addison Allen for her own healing journey.






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17 comments:

  1. Wasn't it wonderful! Thanks for putting in the video, I hadn't watched it and it was just beautiful. One I will certainly want to reread some time and savour all over again.

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  2. I'd like to read this one. Thanks for the review.

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  3. Thanks for this review ... I haven't read this author before, but I am thinking I need to check her out! :)

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    1. Check out Garden Spells too Julie, it's gorgeous!

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  4. Wonderful review. I so agree. Finished this last week.

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    1. Thanks Nise, so happy you loved it too. Will pop over to your blog, don't think I missed your review but who knows lol

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  5. I am excited to read this one - it sits on my kitchen table waiting....

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    1. yay Sheila, can't wait to see what you think! I saw it on your mailbox post last week & knew you'd be getting to it soon :)

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  6. Yay! I hope to start on this one next week!

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    1. Woohoo Stacy, hope you love it as much as I did :)

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  7. It does sound delightful! I can't wait to read it.

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  8. I am looking forward to this one. I have yet to read this author, but I have The Peach Keeper on Sparky. Thanks for the wonderful review.

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  9. I got so excited when I heard that there was finally going to be a new book. SAA is an author who creates worlds that are so easy to get lost in.

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