43 pages • 1 hour read
Mary LawsonCrow Lake
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Crow Lake by Mary Lawson is a bildungsroman set in northern Ontario, focusing on the Morrison siblings who become orphaned when their parents die in a logging truck accident. The story alternates between the present, where Kate is an assistant professor grappling with her childhood shame, and the past, where the siblings navigate the challenges of staying together. The Morrisons' tale intertwines with their neighbors, the Pyes. The narrative covers the emotional and financial struggles as well as family dynamics that shape their lives.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Mary Lawson's Crow Lake has garnered praise for its evocative prose and deeply emotional narrative, capturing the struggles and bonds of a remote Canadian family. Critics commend Lawson's character development and sense of place. However, some note a slow plot pace. Overall, it offers a poignant exploration of grief and resilience. Ward, Mary. “Review of Crow Lake.” The Literary Journal, vol. 28, no. 3, 2023, pp. 23-24.
Who Should Read Crow Lake?
Readers who enjoy Crow Lake by Mary Lawson are drawn to poignant family sagas set in rural landscapes. Fans of introspective narratives like Kent Haruf's Plainsong or Marilynne Robinson's Gilead will find resonance in Lawson's exploration of sibling bonds, personal loss, and the impact of childhood experiences.
RecommendedReading Age
16+yearsLexile Level
880L