Lark and Termite
Jayne Anne Phillips
2009
282 pages
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For the FTC: Yes sirree Bob, you guessed it, I bought this one, too.
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It’s July 26, 1950 and Bobby Leavit is in Korea. He thinks often about his wife Lola, pregnant with their first child. He dreams of their future home in Florida. However, the war is intensifying and Bobby is beginning to realize that he might not be going home anytime soon.
It’s July 26, 1959 and Lark is caring for her younger brother, Termite. Their mother, Lola, is absent…as are both of their fathers. Lark is devoted to Termite. Although he cannot walk or speak in words, Lark is sure she knows what Termite is thinking and how his sounds translate into words.
Bobby’s story progresses over the course of four days. Nine years later, so does the story of Lark and Termite. As they prepare for a storm and possible flood, Lark will begin to uncover the stories of their three parents. As a result, she will take control of her and Termite’s future in a way that integrates the pasts and dreams of all of their parents.
Although subtle at first, as the story progresses there are recurring images and events that become more noticeable. Music, tunnels, sex, water, teenage Lolitas (both intentional and unintentional)…they all tie together in the end in a way that is both unbelievable, yet unbelievably perfect for this book.
This is the cover that I don’t have, but I love it. How about you? Do you have a preference?
I’ve heard so many good things about this book, but interestingly, I didn’t actually know what the book was about until reading your review! Having done so, I now feel like I can definitely say that this is a book I would love to read. I’m so glad you found it so rewarding!
.-= Steph´s last blog ..“The Slap” by Christos Tsiolkas =-.
Well aren’t you the tempty temptress. This sounds oddly alluring.
.-= Andi´s last blog ..Stalking Books =-.
Wow, the book sounds fabulous and I love the title and both covers!
This is the first I’ve heard about the book (other than seeing it in the bookstore).. it sounds so good!! As for the covers, I don’t care for either of them. =/
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Between Friends =-.
Will add to my list, sounds interesting, thanks
I think I like the wagon cover best because the clothesline thing has been so overdone. Your FTC notices are a hoot.
.-= Bookfool, aka Nancy´s last blog ..Disaster Status by Candace Calvert (review) =-.
I like the wagon cover better because it looks more old school. I also LOVE that color blue
Just to be completely shallow. I suppose I should say I like it for the deep symbolism of a wagon without a handler but I haven’t read the book so…
.-= Aarti´s last blog ..Review: The Scarlet Lion =-.
The first cover kind of freaks me out, to be honest.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Lorna Doone by RD Blackmore =-.
Jill,
Terrific review; I can’t wait for this one. I do like the 2nd cover better, but who cares as long as the story is decent?
.-= diane´s last blog ..Waiting on Wednesday on Tuesday – Neighborhood Watch; Cammie McGovern =-.
I’ve been wanting to read this one! (recommended by one Beth K.) so I’m glad to see you liked it.
.-= Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last blog ..Review: If you Follow Me by Malena Watrous =-.
Hmmm.. unusual but still i want to read it. And I like the 1st cover better than the 2nd
.-= Veens´s last blog ..Hannah’s List By Debbie Macomber =-.
I have been wanting to read this for a while. It was a finalist for both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Great review!
This sounds great! I hadn’t heard of it before your review, but now I’m adding it to my (always growing) to-read list.
.-= Anna´s last blog ..Review: The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli =-.
You’ve got me interested in this one now.
I think I prefer the brown cover too. It’s simple, which I like.
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..Happy April Fool’s Day from Riley and Literary Feline =-.
This sounds like a novel I’d really enjoy. And I do like the simple brown cover, especially since that beautiful shade of blue really stands out.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Book Review #87: Vivaldi’s Virgins by Barbara Quick =-.
I thought I had already commented on this post but it appears I imagined it.
Anyway, I read this post the day you wrote it and the same day where I first first heard mention of this book, only an hour or so beforehand; I’m now waiting for my transfer request to arrive at the library. I am thoroughly intrigued. I also adore the bottom cover and that vivid shade of blue.
.-= Claire (Paperback Reader)´s last blog ..And, sleep. =-.
I love the title. I like the second cover. It reminds me of the chalk drawings that kids do (hopefully on the sidewalk and not on my door).
.-= Ti´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon: Sluggish, Windy, Rainy and COLD =-.
The cover you love reminds me of this one I just read:
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Tennessee-John-Bowers/dp/1597094560
.-= Kari´s last blog ..Review: An eternity of unrequited love =-.
I’ve never heard of this book or author before but your review has piqued my curiosity. I’ll have to put it on my goodreads list so I don’t forget about it!
-Lydia @ The Literary Lollipop
ps. you’re right; the second cover is way better!
.-= Lydia´s last blog ..Operation: The Lost List =-.