It is always a rewarding experience to discover an author whose books are a pleasure to read. Such is the case for a book called Crow Lake written by a relatively unknown author named Mary Lawson.
Lawson was born in a small rural farming community in Ontario where she spent her childhood. Crow Lake takes place in a remote farming community in Ontario which obviously is based upon the authors years growing up. The book is centered on the Morrison family who farm on rugged land which had been free to predecessors who were willing to clear it. In the Morrison home there is a picture of a severe-looking great-grandmother who had bore 14 children in thirteen years and had installed the importance of learning to her family and their descendants.
The present day Morrison family includes four children, Luke, Matt, Kate and Bo. Matt and Kate have formed a special bond by studying pond life together on Crow Lake during their summer wanderings. Matt, who is 17, is ten years older than Kate and an important role model in her life.
From the beginning of the book the story unfolds in Kates words. A tragic event occurs which permanently alters the lives of the four Morrison children when their parents are killed in an auto accident. Decisions concerning the fate of the Morrison family must be made quickly. Luke decides to quit school to care for his siblings and earn needed income. All of the children react the their parents deaths in different ways and attempt to create a new life while maintaining a sense of family among themselves.
Neighbors and friends help the Morrison family and illustrate how important it is to help those in need. Miss Carrington, a teacher in the local school, helps Matt study for scholarship exams for college. Mrs. Stanovich, an eccentric elderly woman, spends two afternoons a week cleaning the Morrisons home while cooking and baby-sitting for them. At times when the children feel helpless about their situation someone comes forward with a helping hand. Their lives are forever changed by their parents deaths but the Morrison children survive.
Crow Lake is written in a lyrical style which pulls the reader into the story. There is a sense of calm and serenity throughout the book even though tragic events occur. Somehow the reader is assured that good things can emerge from tragedy and that life does go on in spite of the trials and tribulations which all of us experience.
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