Crow Lake
Lawson, MaryKate Morrison relives events that left seven-year-old Kate, her toddler sister, and two teenage brothers to fend for themselves after their parents are killed in a car accident. Planning a return trip to her childhood home in rural northern Ontario, she recalls her upbringing, the tragedy, and her brother's sacrifices to hold the family together.
Comments from Groups
The group loved this book. Some read it twice. We were transported into the lives of the characters and their environments. Nelson 051Very much enjoyed. Two people were put off by the cover and one person said it dragged towards the end. Everyone else loved it and there was good discussion, especially about small towns and isolation in relation to crises and tragedies. Martinborough 003
A good book. Led to extensive discussion on expressing emotions and importance of communication and communitites. Magawheka 001
The book was enjoyed by the whole group. We had a very lively and full discussion. The questions were well worded and thought out. Christchurch 108
Everyone loved it-great descriptive characters. One of the best. Wanaka 009
What a great read! Everyone of us really enjoyed the book. An easy read but one that we could all relate to in terms of emotion. Winton 001
An enthralling read. Interesting character developments. Legacies from childhood affecting adult relationships. Doubtless Bay 002
This was an all time favourite but it didn't stop a very lively discussion ensuing. We've all decided Canadians are great story tellers. Auckland 199
We all enjoyed the book. Provoked interesting discussion. We could relate to the characters and could imagine it being true. Te Uri 001
Most members were caught up in the opening chapters, and affected by the tension build up in the story. Many could relate to parallel incidents in their own experiences/early years. At times raw, at times unjust, but all agreed this book would go on to become a 'classic' in years ahead. A compelling read, that was rewarded in the end. Katikati 008
Half the group enjoyed the book so much that they are looking for other books by the same author. Three readers thought it promised more, but fizzled out at the end. Auckland 280
Although Crow Lake was a 'slow read' at times, the themes of grief, disappointment and expectations were well explored. Tokoroa 001
This book conjures up excellent images of time (era) and place (remote) with all the aspects that these two factors mean for human communities and families. Our discussion focused heavily on violence in the family and the impact of childhood events on the individual's development. Hamilton 014
Stunning book. Fantastic characterisation. We would consider it to be one of the best books we have read. Great discussion had re family dynamics etc. Christchurch 011
Everyone enjoyed this book - for the story, the clever construction, presentation of characters and their credibility. The discussion was lively on sibling rivalry, nature v. nurture, heredity and family culture. Christchurch 068
This is a quiet book that leads the reader gently through what would have been an ongoing traumatic experience for the Morrison family. We all realised this was a work of fiction, but admired the boys who sacrificed so much of their future to ensure that the family was kept together, and that the two girls were brought up to fulfil their potential. The interwoven story of the Pye family adds depth to the story, underlining the vast range of emotions in the community. And, of course the opening paragraph about Great-Grandmother Morrison had us all gripped, although today the book would have been attached to the dash-board, exer-cycle, or the food-processor! Auckland 006
We all really enjoyed this book - it was a good but easy read. We were divided over whether we actually liked the main character. A good study of life and the choices you make, and also the way you choose to look at the situations you end up in. Auckland 223
295
2002