Black Lake: A Novel by Johanna Lane

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A debut novel about a family losing its grip on its legacy: a majestic house on the cliffs of Ireland

The Campbells have lived happily at Dulough - an idyllic, rambling estate isolated on the Irish seaside - for generations.  But upkeep has drained the family coffers, and so John Campbell must be bold.  To keep Dulough, he will open its doors to the public as a museum.  He and his wife, daughter, and son will move from the luxury of the big house to a dank, small caretaker's cottage.  The upheaval strains the already tenuous threads that bind the family, and when a tragic accident befalls them, long-simmering resentments and unanswered yearnings surface.

As each character is given a turn to speak, their voices tell a complicated, fascinating story about what happens when the upstairs becomes the downstairs, and what legacy is left when family secrets are revealed.

my thoughts:

Johanna Lane's debut novel, Black Lake, is the perfect mix of intrigue and drama.  Family drama, to be specific.  The Campbell family have made their home into a tourist attraction due to financial difficulties, and this is not making for a happy family.  Forced to live in a tiny cottage the family is now tripping over one another and all of the deep, dark secrets they have kept to themselves.  Broken, messy, call it what you will, this family is in dire need of communication.  Told through the perspectives of each family member, we are able to see the slow deterioration of the Campbell's familial bond - and it was mesmerizing!  I loved reading all about this dysfunctional family.  The story was moving, richly layered with emotion, and quite character-driven - all in all, a combination for a terrific read.

I would most definitely recommend Johanna Lane's Black Lake to anyone looking for a great new read - you will LOVE this book!


Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!