Touted as a novel on the “complexities of friendship,” The Ladies of the Lake is an excellent piece of historical fiction but, at times, a heartbreaking example of the selfishness of friends. It’s got a hint of mystery with its dual timelines and viewpoints and I didn’t want to put it down till I had it all figured out - even when my heart was broken and my irritation peaked with a certain someone. Maybe not everyone would feel so triggered by the jealous friend sabotage, but I feel like I’ve had way too many girlfriends I felt weary of knowing they’d turn on me in a heartbeat to benefit themselves not to feel on edge as this story unfolded.
This is a very clean book exploring coming-of-age and friendship during wartime. I liked the boarding school setting and the Canadian locations were unique for me. A definite homage to Anne of Green Gables, which I now feel like I have to reread.