Sunburn Lake

by Tom De Haven

A trilogy of stories captures the turning points in the lives of three women--Charley in 1936, Franny Tolentino in 1987, and Joy in 2037--and speaks of America past, present, and future

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Tom De Haven is the author of five novels: Freaks' Amour, Jersey Luck, Funny Papers, Derby Dugan's Depression Funnies, and Dugan Under Ground; a collection of three related novellas, Sunburn Lake; and a three-novel series, Chronicle of the King's Tramp, which includes Walker of Worlds, The End-of-Everything Man, and The Last Human. His latest novel for young adults, The Orphan's Tent, was published in 1996, and his latest graphic novel, Green Candles, in 1997. He has previously published two young adult novels, two graphic novels, and various other innovative fiction projects.

De Haven has a richly varied experience as a writer, having worked as a freelance journalist, an editor, and a film and television scriptwriter. His book reviews appear regularly in Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times Book Review. His awards include a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and he has twice won fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. Before joining VCU's faculty, De Haven taught at Rutgers and Hofstra University.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom De Haven is one of the most under-appreciated really wonderful writers out there. This book is different, thought-provoking, and welcoming, even when it's more tragic than comic.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I've been taking lots of breaks from The Big Money, but this was a refreshing one that I picked up while at home for Easter, having left The Big Money in Norfolk. These three stories set around the same lake are all great, but the best is the middle one about the real estate agent that used to be in a soul band. My creative writing professor from William and Mary wrote this jank and that's pretty chill.
I got distracted.
Ummm... I really liked the voice of the stories. Probably the best part. Especially... again... of the middle story.
It's supposed to be Derby Dugan's Depression Funnies that is his masterpiece though, so if you want to look up De Haven, I'd check that out first. But if you see this at a bookstore (probably in RVA) then pick this up for sure! I'd also lend it out if ya wanted.
I'll have to tell Aaron that I read this. He's read one of Tom's books, too. He's a friend from that class. We got along pretty well.
Coolio.

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. It's out of print and a little harder to find, but worth it, in my opinion. The last story of the three is the best, in my opinion, and certainly the most ambitious.

[KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread the third short story in this collection about every two years for the sake of preteen apocalypse girlfriends making cassette tapes together.