EDITOR’S CHOICE
A poignant and deeply moving novel, Reunion by the Lake masterfully explores family, legacy, and the emotional weight of inheritance.
James Gilbert’s Reunion by the Lake is a poignant family drama that explores the weight of legacy, the complexities of familial bonds, and the struggle for closure in the face of impending loss. When Richard Collins gathers his three sons at their lakeside home to disclose his will before his death, he unknowingly sets off a storm of emotions, long-buried tensions, and bitter reckonings.
The novel masterfully captures the dynamics of a family shaped by Richard’s dominance, as each son reacts in his own way to the looming reality of his father’s mortality. Gilbert’s writing is subtle yet powerful, weaving a narrative that is both intimate and unsettling. He delves into the fragile nature of relationships, showing how grief and inheritance can either tear people apart or force them to confront truths they’ve long avoided.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its characterisation. The sons—each uniquely flawed and deeply affected by their upbringing—offer a compelling study in contrasts, and Grace, Richard’s wife, provides a quietly resonant counterpoint to the family’s turmoil. The setting of the lake house, with its serene yet isolating presence, mirrors the emotional undercurrents of the story.
While the pacing occasionally lags, particularly in its reflective moments, the emotional depth and realism of the novel make it a rewarding read. Reunion by the Lake is a thought-provoking exploration of family, regret, and the legacies we leave behind. An engaging and heartfelt novel for those who enjoy character-driven narratives.
