Crow Lake

This is a summary of our Book Group's discussion:
Strong themes of Community, Sacrifice and the Nature of Success. Poverty, family chaos, death, good neighbours, orphans, abusive father. Story told by Kate - emotional problems- inability to express difficult feelings. Repressed emotions. Pregnancy.
Very much a character driven story
Lovely to read something which had hope and belief in the essential goodness of individuals and the kindness of communities - possibly some of us “romantic” by nature so enjoyed her writing. Not sugary, saccharine but reassuring and hopeful about the essential goodness of humanity. Reasons behind why people are not “nice” - damaged by life’s events but hopeful in that people can be “fixed” and despite the vicissitudes of life and its many challenges people can form good relationships and live fulfilling, loving lives without necessarily having “success”, wealth, or fame. Essential decency of people . Manages to portray goodness without over sentimentalising it.
Reminded me of Benjamin Myer’s The Offing.
I immediately decided to read all 4 of her books. Loved them.
At times I found it tedious and slow paced.
Lost count of the number of times I fell asleep trying to get through this book. Nothing happened! Found the narrator Kate boring and selfish “ the whole thing is about as interesting as a wet winter Wednesday in Wigan”
Scores ranged from 1 to 10 with several 9s . A total of 86 so an average score of 7.81

Beautifully and gently written Crow Lake is the moving and compelling tale of a family, of love and loss, of tragedy and hope, and the importance of relationships. It's set in a small, remote community in northern Ontario, Canada, where everyone knows everyone else and they all pull together. Mary Lawson never puts a foot wrong in telling this wholly believable, heartwarming story. And Bo is such a wonderful, recognisable toddler - she made me laugh out loud!