Tom Lake

The Sunday Times Bestseller and No. 1 New York Times Bestseller

A Reese Witherspoon and BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick

A new Ann Patchett novel is always cause for celebration ... and Tom Lake is one of her best – i

This comforting summer read has it all ... Young love, sibling rivalry and deep mother-daughter relationships – Reese Witherspoon

Filled with the moments I live for in a story – Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry

One of the most beloved authors of her generation – Sunday Times

In the heart of Michigan's picturesque countryside lies an orchard as much a family haven as it is a reminder of stories long past. This is the stage for Tom Lake, a beautifully woven narrative exploring the intricate dance of past and present, and love in its many forms. Lara's life seems idyllic as she welcomes her three daughters back home during a tumultuous spring, a time filled with cherry picking and reminiscing. As the sun-drenched days unfold, the daughters coax their mother into revealing secrets of her past life, particularly her summer theatre romance with Peter Duke, a man who would later become a renowned actor.

This narrative subtly examines the intensity of youthful love and how it shapes a woman’s journey, unveiling layers of nostalgia, passion, and realism. With Peter Duke at its epicentre, Lara's tale explores the exhilarating heights of falling in love and the unexpected turns fate takes. Patchett delves into the moments of joy and reflection found within these transformative years, illustrating the contrast between who Lara once was and who she has become.

Tom Lake is an evocative contemplation on the bonds of family, the reconciliation of one's past with the paths chosen, and the enduring strength of love. Through Lara, readers are invited to ponder the complex, sometimes bittersweet relationships between mothers and daughters, and how they echo across generations. This novel is a meditation on happiness and the gentle yet profound life lessons embedded within love stories, both personal and familial.

One of our greatest living chroniclers of love and marriage … Expect wonder; Patchett always delivers – Elle

Praise for The Dutch House:

Patchett leads us to a truth that feels like life rather than literature – Guardian

The best book I've read in years – Rosamund Lupton

Her finest novel yet – Sunday Times

The buzz around The Dutch House is totally justified. Her best yet, which is saying something – John Boyne

A masterpiece – Cathy Rentzenbrink

Bliss – Nigella Lawson

The Dutch House was a Sunday Times top 10 bestseller w/e 28.09.19