It was not complicated, and, as my mother pointed out, not even personal: They had a hotel; they didn’t want Jews; we were Jews…It’s the early 1960s and Natalie Marx is stunned when her mother inquires about vacation accommodations in Vermont and receives a response that says, “The Inn at Lake Devine is a family-owned resort, which has been in continuous operation since 1922. Our guests who … guests who feel most comfortable here, and return year after year, are Gentiles.”
So begins Natalie’s fixation with the Inn and the family who owns it. And when Natalie finagles an invitation to join a friend on vacation there, she sets herself upon a path that will inextricably link her adult life into this peculiar family and their once-restricted hotel.
The Inn at Lake Devine will enchant readers with the beguiling voice, elegant charm, and deft storytelling that have been hallmarks of Elinor Lipman’s previous novels and have made her beloved by her fans. Her characters sparkle on the page and delight us with their wit and grace–even when anti-Semitism rears its head in Vermont and the tables are turned in the Catskills. Elinor Lipman is the undisputed master of the art of screwball comedy.
From the Hardcover edition.
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One of my all-time favorite books from one of my all-time favorite authors! Reading this gem of a novel helped inspire me to pursue writing full-time.
This is a great little book. Nothing earth-shattering happens – no threats to national security, no murders to solve, no zombies. Just a wonderful story about people and a nice little time capsule of a past era. But it’s still a page turner that will keep you reading.
Brilliant characters people this novel about family dynamics and prejudice. The lessons are here, but told in a gentle, witty way, that comes off humorous as well as revealing about human behavior. This is the second book I’ve read by Elinor Lipman…and I’m hooked!
Lippman is an exceptional writer. Her characters are so realistic, within a few pages, you feel as if you knew them all your life. This book centers around a Jewish girl & her family, who try to make a reservation at an Inn for their summer vacation who, they find out, doesn’t accept Jews “restricted” is the word…. & the final irony of the …
Start your absolute love affair with quirky wonderful humorouis writing of this author with her breakout book that put her on the path of glorious writing. I have read all of her books. She doesn’t disappoint and as her career built over many years, her voice is one that will withstand COVID–delight in the quirky beings we call human.
This is my first book by Elinor Lipman, but I immediately put ALL of them on my on my to-be-read list. Though I was at first interested in the premise, the way it unfolded was so subtle and so charming that it could only be written in the hands of a master. Five stars and can’t wait for more!
This was a wonderful book..I loved it. Also it was very informative re human nature and how we each see things differently.
Very enjoyable read
This book reminded me of resorts if that day-similar to the one in the movie, Dirty Dancing. It was a good read.
I’m late to the party, reading this 20-year-old book. So fun I finished it in two sittings!!
it took place in an era when prejudice was acceptible. loved following their stories and how ironic it turned out
Takes a look at prejudice and a girl willing to fight against it.
Summer read.
Elinor Lipman is one of my very favorite authors. Her novels are so clever and delightful- she’s my go-to when I need a lift. The Inn at Lake Devine is no exception: lovable/likable characters you truly grow to care about, charming and quirky story written exceptionally well with a satisfying ending. Fresh, smart and original!
Quite dated
Being Jewish myself and having had Anti-Semitic actions affect my family, I was able to understand the actions and reactions of the main character of the book.
Very good summer read. Characters come to life in realistic situations.
Not what I expected.Ending was a little too contrived.
kept me reading a good bit of the time……
I loved this book and have read every single one of Elinor Lipman’s books. It takes place at an inn in Vermont where Gentiles are welcome….Natalie winds up at this inn and social commentary regarding this type of establishment is infused in the events that unfold. All of Lipman’s books have well-drawn characters full of heart, wit and humor.
This is a sentimental favorite because it’s the first book our book club read together about 19 years ago. It’s an easy read, entertaining, and gave us something to talk about.