Set at a private girls' high school in the Adirondacks, 'The Lake of Dead Languages' follows Jane Hudson, a Latin teacher who returns to her alma mater, where she uncovers buried secrets from her past. The story intertwines past tragedies with present mysteries, creating a suspenseful and gothic atmosphere that keeps readers engaged. The plot revolves around a series of suicides that seem to be repeating, with Jane at the center of the unfolding events, leading to a chilling and intriguing narrative. The writing style is described as atmospheric, with a strong sense of foreboding and suspense that captures the reader's attention.

Characters:

The characters are varied, with Jane being well-developed and sympathetic, while others remain less fully realized, leading to predictability in their arcs.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines atmospheric descriptions with engaging prose, effectively conveying suspense while incorporating elements of Latin.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around Jane Hudson, exploring her past at Heart Lake School, where dark events resurface, ultimately unveiling a shocking truth.

Setting:

The atmospheric setting in the Adirondacks, especially the moody lake, plays a crucial role in enhancing the storyline's themes of isolation and tragedy.

Pacing:

Pacing is generally engaging, with suspenseful build-up, although some readers note slower sections that detract from the overall momentum.

IHAVE BEEN TOLD TO MAKE THE LATIN CURRICULUM RELEvant to the lives of my students. I am finding, though, that my advanced girls at Heart Lake like Latin precisely because it has no relevance to their ...

Notes:

The book is narrated by Jane Hudson, who returns to her former school as a Latin teacher.

The narrative alternates between present-day first-person and diary entries from Jane's teenage years.

The setting is a secluded girls' school in the Adirondacks, creating a dark and moody atmosphere.

The story involves the alleged suicides of two of Jane's roommates during her time at school.

Jane feels like an outsider, reflecting on her past and her friendships, particularly with Lucy.

There are elements of suspense and psychological intrigue throughout the novel.

Characters often have complex relationships involving themes of betrayal and blame.

The book features motifs of classics and mythology, with references to Latin and Virgil's Aeneid influencing character motivations.

Some readers found the plot predictable, identifying major twists early on.

Goodman's writing style is noted for its gothic elements and literary depth.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings for themes related to suicide, mental illness, trauma, and potentially triggering discussions surrounding grief and loss.

From The Publisher:

"A gothic and elegant page-turner."-The Boston Globe

Twenty years ago, Jane Hudson fled the Heart Lake School for Girls in the Adirondacks after a terrible tragedy. The week before her graduation, in that sheltered wonderland, three lives were taken, all victims of suicide. Only Jane was left to carry the burden of a mystery that has stayed hidden in the depths of Heart Lake for more than two decades. Now Jane has returned to the school as a Latin teacher, recently separated and hoping to make a fresh start with her young daughter. But ominous messages from the past dredge up forgotten memories. And young, troubled girls are beginning to die again-as piece by piece the shattering truth slowly floats to the surface. . . .

Ratings (7)

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Liked It (3)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (43):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (27)
Not Interested (7)

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About the Author:

Carol Goodman is the author of The Lake of Dead Languages, The Seduction of Water, The Drowning Tree, The Ghost Orchid, The Sonnet Lover, and The Night Villa. The Seduction of Water won the Hammett Prize, and others of her novels have been nominated for…

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The Lake of Dead Languages

Carol Goodman