Book Review: The Lake by William P. Crawford

Summary:

So far the trip had zigzagged across the Great Plains to Boise and then to Spokane where, in an airport motel, he had watched a documentary on super-volcanoes.  then, airborne before dawn to Los Angeles he nodded off.  But when sunlight flooded through the airliner's tiny window he suddenly awoke and blanched at what he saw.  Smearing the tops of the White Mountains bordering the western edge of Nevada were billows of red clouds.  "It must have erupted!" he gasped, reaching to press the call button.  When, though, he saw the flight attendant approaching he muttered to himself, "Damn, she'll think I'm an idiot if I tell her that I saw a volcano explode."

And so begins The Lake, the renowned nautical writer William P. Crawford's debut novel, which offers a not-so subtle environmental and social commentary on what would happen if man discovered the Fountain of Youth and what would happen if we couldn't keep it a secret.  With a prose that is nothing short of pitch-perfect and a few romantic subplots, Crawford proves that he knows more than how to navigate and sail a ship.  He is a dynamic and salty storyteller.  He has delivered an epic adventure, as well as a reminder of how fragile life can be when we demand more than Mother Nature has to offer.

Review:

This was one of the most unique books I've ever read.  The Fountain of Youth premise was thoughtfully written and well-executed.  I can tell that Crawford spent a lot of time researching to write this book.  I love to read a book where it's obvious that the author has a good grip on what he's writing about. 

The love stories fell a little short for my personal taste; I guess I am a "love junkie" who needs a consuming love story in every book.  This book wasn't one of my favorites; however, I think that there were tons of people who would disagree with me.  The Lake was well done and I would recommend it to anyone interested in science, politics, or the environment.   

Just One Gripe:

There were parts that felt slow to me.  The pacing was more of a non-fiction pace at times.

The Best Thing About This Book:

The premise is unique.

Appropriate for a younger audience:

Yes

Score:

Characters:  2/5

Plot:  2/5

Setting/Imagery:  2/5

Originality:  3/5

Ending:  3/5

Total Score:  12/25

 

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an impartial review.