geraldine's review against another edition
gonna be honest I can't remember the exact time frame i read this but VERY gripping and harrowing. i was so worried for those poor girls.
Spoiler
oh wait jesus I just remembered there is a VERY significant part of this book that is about a guy's pregnancy fetish. did not love that part. i think i blocked it out mostly until this second. kept going GIRL RUN when she wanted to hook up with him. not worth it girl you already have two adopted stolen children!!!!themartinmama's review against another edition
5.0
The best book I read all of 2020! I got an advanced copy and stayed up all night solo parenting to finish it. And I can't wait for you all to read it in 2021. Merino's writing blew me away. It's sparse but full of imagery and I could see everyone and every scene and feel the pain, betrayal, loneliness, and awkwardness to my core. As well as the love and connections and tenderness and interests too. This is a story of women, of daughters, of what connects us and binds us and what doesn't. You need to read Cormorant Lake.
ellietriplett's review against another edition
5.0
This book is brilliant. The story is perfectly paced, all of the secrets revealed slowly, as they are needed. I Iaughed, looked up words I didn’t know, read parts aloud to my spouse, and sat with white knuckles as I watched the characters make strange and wonderful and horrible choices. It was an absolute pleasure to read and I can’t stop thinking about it.
beabeareads's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. This book is a standout debut by Faith Merino. I could taste the descriptions, they were so vivid and felt so real. The characters are beautiful and I want to just wrap my arms around them and share a warm meal. This is a gritty and honest novel, and reminds me of Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, or evening Kristin Hannah’s more recent work. For a debut author this is really mature work. *possible spoiler, not really*
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My only issue is that the ending confused me, but that could be my own issue. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
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My only issue is that the ending confused me, but that could be my own issue. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
fictionandflora's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bookish_riz's review
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
thebohobookshelfnz's review against another edition
5.0
Boy oh boy this is one impressive debut!
I obviously find it highly relatable being a mother myself which always makes books easier to read when you can relate. But the writing is gripping and humourous in parts (especially the Nan who is definitely my favourite character) which compels you to read on. I love the natural and mystical elements weaved into the book. I'll be waiting to get my hands on a hard copy when this is released! Thanks to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishers & Faith Merino for the ARC.
I obviously find it highly relatable being a mother myself which always makes books easier to read when you can relate. But the writing is gripping and humourous in parts (especially the Nan who is definitely my favourite character) which compels you to read on. I love the natural and mystical elements weaved into the book. I'll be waiting to get my hands on a hard copy when this is released! Thanks to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishers & Faith Merino for the ARC.
tonstantweader's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cormorant Lake is a story of choosing your own family, generation after generation. It begins as Evelyn is fleeing with two children she has, more or less, kidnapped from their incompetent and addicted mother after she found the youngest half-drowned in the bathtub. Evelyn had been caring for those kids while the mother took off and her recent return just put the girls in jeopardy. She drives north to Nan, the woman who took care of her when he own mother, Jube, failed her leaving her to live, more or less, on the porch.
Nan is haunted by her past, the child she lost in a miscarriage, and the boy “without a face” whom she cared for while her friend worked in a lumber camp. She is also bothered by local gossips and small-town life. Evelyn moves in with Nan and they settle into a routine with Evelyn working two jobs while Nan cares for the kids.
Cormorant Lake is one of those books that can haunt you. Nan and Evelyn are women who had the love and courage to be a mother to children who were neglected. Jube is interesting, a woman we initially think of as a bad mother, but then we learn how much she loves. Evelyn and Nan seem so much more loving, but they have their own failures. It is a fascinating story of finding love and family where you can.
The language is entrancing, particularly when she describes the land. The story has elements of magical realism, though maybe the ghosts are guilty consciences.
- Cormorant Lake at Blackstone Publishing
- Faith Merino author site.
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpress.com/2021/11/29/cormorant-lake-by-faith-merino/
ondbookshelf's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0