“The rage dissipates along with the love, and all we’re left with is a story.”
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett is a heartfelt and evocative novel that explores the complexities of family, love and the enduring pull of memory. Set during the opening months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the story centres around Lara, who recounts her past as a young actress to her three adult daughters while they isolate together at the family orchard. As Lara’s daughters discover their mother’s history – including her romance with a famous actor – they start to see her in a different light, wrestling with how her decisions have affected their lives. Since its release, Tom Lake has become a go-to pick for book clubs everywhere, providing plenty of material for discussions about family dynamics, personal regrets and the stories we choose to tell. If you’re looking for thoughtful book club questions for Tom Lake, we here at What We Reading have you covered.
Overview Of Tom Lake
Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake is a tender, multi-generational story that reflects on family, memory, and the power of storytelling. Set against a Michigan cherry orchard backdrop during the COVID-19 pandemic, the novel orbits around Lara, a former actor turned wife and mother who shares stories of her youth with her three grown daughters as they work together harvesting cherries. Her daughters, pulled in by Lara’s tales, are especially captivated by her romance with Peter Duke, a Hollywood icon who once played a crucial role in her life.
As Lara recounts her journey, the narrative deftly weaves between the past and present, revealing the complexities of her decisions and how they shaped the family’s lives. Themes of love, regret and self-discovery are all at the heart of the story. The daughters all begin to see their mother in a new light – not just as a parent, but as a woman with dreams, ambitions and heartbreaks of her own.
Tom Lake delves into universal questions: How do personal decisions affect different generations? How are we shaped by the stories we tell? With its impeccable character development and poignant reflections on the intersection of nostalgia and reality, the novel provides ample depth for meaningful book club discussions.
Thematic Discussion Questions
Get to the heart of Tom Lake with these thought-provoking book club questions group by theme to help guide your book club’s discussion.
Family And Relationships
- How do the dynamics between Lara, her daughters, and her husband shape the narrative? Are there moments where these relationships feel especially authentic or strained?
- Storytelling plays a crucial role in connecting the family during the pandemic. How does Lara recounting her past influence her daughter’s perception of her – and of themselves?
- How do the relationships between the daughters themselves evolve as they discover more about their mother’s past? What do these shifts reveal about their sibling bond?
Memory And Nostalgia
- Lara’s memories are central to the novel’s storytelling. Do you think her recollections are entirely reliable? Why or why not?
- How does the novel explore the idea of nostalgia? Are there moments where revisiting the past feels comforting, or are there sequences where it establishes tension?
- In what ways does Ann Patchett demonstrate the tension between the idealised versions of our memories and the realities of the past?
Choices And Regrets
- The theme of choices runs throughout the novel. How do Lara’s past choices resonate in her life in the present? How do they shape her daughters’ understanding of their own lives?
- Do you think Lara has any regrets about her life? If so, what might they be? If not, how does she find peace in her decisions?
- How does Tom Lake examine how people reconcile their youthful aspirations with the lives they ultimately lead?
Character-Focused Questions
The characters in Tom Lake are richly drawn, offering plenty of opportunities for deeper discussions about their relationships, motivations and development. These book club questions for Tom Lake are designed to help explore the nuances of Ann Patchett’s unforgettable cast.
- Lara as Mother vs Actress: How does Lara’s portrayal as a mother differ from her depiction as a young actor? What aspects of her character remain consistent across both timelines? Do you believe her daughters view her differently after learning about her past?
- The Daughters’ Reactions: How do Emily, Maisie and Nell respond to learning about their mother’s relationship with Peter Duke? Do their reactions reflect their own personalities and experiences in life? How does their perspective on their mother shift during the story?
- Peter Duke’s Role: Peter Duke towers over Lara’s memories and her daughters’ imaginations. What do you think his character represents to Lara and her daughters? How does his presence shape the narrative even when he isn’t physically present?
- Joe’s Quiet Strength: Lara’s husband, Joe, plays a quieter but pivotal role in the novel. How does his steady presence contrast with Lara’s vibrant storytelling? What does Joe’s character reveal about the theme of love and commitment?
Spoiler Specific Questions
Heads up, spoiler warning: This section contains questions about key plot points and the ending of Tom Lake. If you haven’t finished the book, consider skipping this section to avoid any unwelcome surprises!
For book clubs who have completed Tom Lake, these questions delve into the story’s most pivotal moments and how it all comes together.
- Lara’s relationship with Peter Duke: How did you feel about the revelations surrounding Lara’s romance with Peter Duke? Did it change how you viewed the character or the choices she made later in life?
- The Ending’s Impact: What did you think about how the novel was brought to an end? Were you satisfied with how Patchett tied the story’s threads together, particularly regarding Lara’s reflections on her past?
- Themes of Regret and Acceptance: By the end of the novel, do you think Lara has fully come to terms with her past, or are there any lingering feelings of regret? How does this resolution – or lack of it – impact the story’s overall tone?
- The Daughters’ Growth: How do Emily, Maisie and Nell seem to process all that they have learned by the end of the book? Do you think this knowledge strengthens or complicates their bond?
Fun Book Club Activities For Tom Lake
Take your Tom Lake book club discussion to another level with these fun and engaging activities designed to deepen your connection with the story and with each other.
- Memory Jar Activity: In Tom Lake, memory and storytelling play key roles. Ask every member to jot down a memorable moment in their past – something from their childhood or formative years – and place it in a jar. At the end of the meeting, take turns reading them aloud and discussing how personal memories shape our identities, just like Lara’s.
- Themed Snacks or Drinks: Bring the family orchard to life by serving cherry-themed snacks or drinks, paying homage to the novel’s setting. You could even hold a Tom Lake-themed cocktail or mocktail contest!
- Casting the Movie: Imagine Tom Lake as a movie, and let your book club members cast the characters. Who would play Lara, Joe and Peter Duke? This activity is sure to spark a lively debate and allow everyone to see their favourite characters in a new light!
Wrap Up
Tom Lake is a rich and thought-provoking novel that offers plenty of material for reflection and discussion, making it one of the best book club books going. From its exploration of family dynamics and memory to its deep dive into personal choices and regrets, the themes within the book are bound to spark engaging conversations. Using our questions and activities in this guide will allow your club to explore the characters, plot twists and themes in more depth, making for a wholesome and enjoyable reading experience.
Whether you’re tackling Lara’s past, the growth of her daughters or the lasting impact of memory, there’s always something new to uncover in Tom Lake. We hope this guide helps make your book club discussions as engaging and memorable as the book itself!
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
