LAKE EFFECT
Book Review
Lake Effect by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, published in hardback by Borough Press on 12th March 2026. Length: 288 pages
I do really love a family saga and, for me, nothing will ever top Elizabeth Jane Howard’s wonderful Cazalet Chronicles (if you haven’t read them, run to your nearest book shop right now!) but Lake Effect is incredibly engrossing and written with such distinctive flair.
It’s deftly plotted with a consistently engaging narrative. Populated with believable characters with a dual timeline set against a nostalgic 1970s and 1990s backdrop, it’s pleasingly propulsive and compelling enough but wears its drama lightly.
Two families are torn apart and thrown together when Finn Finnegan and Nina Larkin fall in love and set off a chain of life changing events.
The Vibe: The Larkins and Finnegans have enjoyed the 1970s dinner party circuit together for years, with other residents of Rochester. But one summer, Nina Larkin throws caution to the wind and sets her sights on Finn Finnegan, dazzled by his new post-heart attack physique and frustrated by her sex-less marriage to closeted Xerox marketing executive Sam. What follows changes everything for the two families. Clara Larkin and Dune Finnegan’s secret teenage relationship comes to an abrupt halt and familial relationships implode only to be repaired decades later, when it’s almost too late. Lake Effect shimmers with tension as the revelations of what lies beneath gradually unfold.
Thoughts and Feelings: Nuanced interpersonal relationships and character-driven drama lie at the heart of this story and the wonderful ensemble cast, layered family dynamics, and gradual revelation of secrets will keep you gripped. The 1970s and 1990s time frames offer cool retro-nostalgia and a departure from the technology-driven contemporary world.
Who will enjoy this? This will probably appeal to you if you enjoyed Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson, The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley-Heller, The Position by Meg Wolitzer and The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo.
Final thoughts: The acute observations and strong ensemble cast bring this domestic tale to life. The themes may be familiar but they are addressed with literary flair and the storytelling is totally immersive. It’s such a page turner and ideal to curl up with on a chilly evening.