Oakville Reads discussion

Question #1: Kate Morton is a historical fiction writer who generally sets her novels in both the past and the present with parallel storylines running throughout each time period. How do you feel that this style of writing adds to the story? Does it help or hinder? Or, are you a reader who prefers historical fiction to be written exclusively in the past?

I think Morton did a good job in this book of describing what life on a big country property would be like for a wealthy family. But I think it could have been set in another country - I didn't think there was anything particularly British about the story. I feel that though The Lake House is historical fiction, I'm not particularly learning anything substantial about the 1930s in Cornwall.

This is the first time I have read one of her books, and I enjoyed it so much! I already took out the Secret Keeper, which has good reviews.

I did like the intertwining story lines. In this story in particular, I didn't love the Sadie Sparrow story lines, so it made me excited when the 1910-1930s chapters came.

Other than WW2-era books, I don't read too much historical fiction, so I can't say which I prefer more. I just loved the setting at Loennaeth. Seemed so magical and simple.

Dana wrote: "This is the first time I have read one of her books, and I enjoyed it so much! I already took out the Secret Keeper, which has good reviews.

I did like the intertwining story lines. In this story ..."

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the novel, Dana. The book is certainly highly rated on GoodReads. I agree that Loennaeth is a special place. It is so lovingly described. The contrast between the estate in the 30s and in 2003 is effectively made. I especially liked Alice's mother and her love for Loennaeth. The love story between her and her husband, and their return to live there was a part of the book that I most enjoyed.

I like the intertwining stories between the past and the present that are prevalent in all of Kate Morton's books. It adds dimension to the novel and being a mystery adds to the plot. I have only ever read the Forgotten Garden. I am almost finished the Lake House and can't wait to see how it ends.

I enjoy the back and forth of this style of writing, especially when done well, as is usually the case with Kate Morton's books. Telling a story in this way can make it more difficult to appreciate the individual storylines, particularly when you are switching between time and place. I find that in this case it serves as a benchmark to provide some context or perspective for the alternative timeline. In this book the setting of Loennaeth in both the past and the present is what seems to draw both stories along together.

I am only one third into the book. I have enjoyed it so far. I like the back and forth stories intertwined, I think it adds to the suspense and the development of the characters. I enjoy the descriptions of the country house. When you picture a house like that, who wouldn't want to live in such a setting?. That is why I find easy to understand why Elaonor and Alice would feel a strong attachment to the house and woouldn't want to leave it. I like Alice writtin her name all over the house because it was her way of creating that link but also brought her shame when it was discovered by her mother. However I agree with Susan that from the point of view of historical fiction I don't find much of it, it could very well be just fiction. I think of historical fiction when a particular event or time period is explored with more depth. Nevertheless, I like the style of writing and the story.

Rocio wrote: "I am only one third into the book. I have enjoyed it so far. I like the back and forth stories intertwined, I think it adds to the suspense and the development of the characters. I enjoy the descri..."

Her books are less descriptive than they have been in the past. I would have to agree with Rocio and Susan that the historical fiction part of this book is lacking compared to Morton's other books

Rocio wrote: "I am only one third into the book. I have enjoyed it so far. I like the back and forth stories intertwined, I think it adds to the suspense and the development of the characters. I enjoy the descri..."

Rocio, this is my first ever Kate Morton read and I have to say that I am not a huge fan of the back-and-forth-in-time narrative style, however I suppose it serves its purpose here, as you said, for suspense and character development. As for the descriptiveness of the prose, I find myself thinking that I really don't have to have every moment spelled out for me all of the time. I find the prose excessively wordy (and I LOVE descriptive storytelling ... I just don't need a step-by-step commentary). Morton's prose style is actually reminding me a bit of Steig Larsson's, with a little bit more detail and embellishment in there of course. Crazy comparison, I know.

I am currently about two thirds of the way through the story and am finding it more and more predictable as I go, and quite frankly I'm getting a tad annoyed at the author's use of delayed gratification. Whew, just had to get that off my chest... Sorry Kate Morton fans!! I will try to find something more positive to say in the next discussion thread.

Allison wrote: "Rocio wrote: "I am only one third into the book. I have enjoyed it so far. I like the back and forth stories intertwined, I think it adds to the suspense and the development of the characters. I en..."
I'm sorry to say that I have to agree, Allison. I found the writing to be overly descriptive and often found myself wondering why I needed to know tiny details that seemed inconsequential. Her writing style seems very old-fashioned to me.

I absolutely love historical fiction and so am a big fan of skipping back and forth in time. This is the first novel by Kate Morton I have read and I understand the good reviews and the long waiting list at the library. As someone who reads quickly, having to pay attention to the titles of the chapters and the (time) setting forces me to slow down and appreciate the details of the book. A great choice for this month's read!

Susan wrote: "I absolutely love historical fiction and so am a big fan of skipping back and forth in time. This is the first novel by Kate Morton I have read and I understand the good reviews and the long waitin..."
So glad you were able to get a copy of the book and join our discussion this month, Susan, and that you're enjoying the book. I relate to what you're saying about slowing down to take in the time and place of various chapters. I am currently reading People of the Book, which takes place over centuries and in various countries, so it's really important to pay attention.

Kate's writing style of bringing past and present together is what I love most about her writing. It's like an intricately woven quilt that is started at the beginning and end and seamlessly meets in the middle. I now read several other authors who write similar to this style. One writer I have discovered who is similar is Kimberley Freeman and also an Australian author.

Shirley wrote: "Kate's writing style of bringing past and present together is what I love most about her writing. It's like an intricately woven quilt that is started at the beginning and end and seamlessly meets ..."

Is Kate Morton Australian? I didn't know that. As I'm reading this book, I am finding that it doesn't ring particularly British to me, despite the setting. Maybe this is why...

Very nicely said about bringing past and present together, Shirley.

Allison wrote: "Shirley wrote: "Kate's writing style of bringing past and present together is what I love most about her writing. It's like an intricately woven quilt that is started at the beginning and end and s..."

I believe that one of Kate Morton's book takes place in Australia, The Forgotten garden is the title

Jennifer wrote: "Allison wrote: "Shirley wrote: "Kate's writing style of bringing past and present together is what I love most about her writing. It's like an intricately woven quilt that is started at the beginni..."

Kate Morton is indeed Australian (I just looked her up!) ... ...she looks very young too, yes?

Yes, she is Australian, as is Kimberley Freeman who writes very similarly to Kate Morton. If you notice in any of Kate's books that she mentions holidays such as Christmas or Easter, the weather doesn't match ours here in Canada.