Candlewood Lake

Penny C. Sansevieri
iUniverse, Inc. (2005)
ISBN 0595351298
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (3/06)

“Candlewood Lake” is a story of three young friends growing up in New Fairfield, Connecticut. Justin and Billy are 12 years old and Eve is 10 years old in 1971 when the story opens, and we follow their lives until 1992 when they are grown. When the story opens in 1971, the intensity of the war in Vietnam is raging on, tearing families apart.

Penny C. Sansevieri tells the story of Billy, Justin and Eve as they grow up around the beautiful backdrop of “Candlewood Lake” in a small town atmosphere. Billy is the adventurer of the group, good- looking, athletic, and star of the high school football team. Justin is the bookworm, always knowing the right answers, and being Billy’s friend saves him from being labeled the class “nerd.” Eve is the new girl in town, moving to Connecticut from Michigan, and the two boys and Eve soon become inseparable friends, all while growing up around the beautiful lake. This story is a look at how the choices they make will change their destiny. Once grown, Eve must choose a husband, and her decision will affect the relationship between the threesome.

I absolutely LOVED the story that unfolds among the pages of “Candlewood Lake.” It is heartbreaking, devastating, joyful, effusive and high-spirited all at the same time. You will laugh out loud, cry with sorrow and sigh with angst at the trials and tribulations of growing up in a small town for these three young adults.

This book deserves exuberant praise! It is a page turner. From beginning to end, the story never loses its pace or slows down. It will keep you riveted to the developing events, anxious to know what will happen next. I found myself thinking at times, “How much more can these characters endure?” Of course, it’s only a story, but if you like a good coming-of-age tale, this is definitely it. Penny will keep you wondering right up to the final few paragraphs. I highly encourage picking up a copy of Penny’s work!

I would recommend “Candlewood Lake” to anyone who likes to get totally absorbed in a good emotional drama, full of ups and downs. Anyone from the teen years and older would deem this most appropriate. I could see females enjoying it utmost.

An interesting turning point happens when, after so much of doing what is right in life, a serendipitous discovery changes the pace for the three friends. Justin, Billy and Eve have so many memories, both good and bad, that evolve around Candlewood Lake. So many important events occur while growing up involving heartache, tears, joy, pain, the reality of life, death, tragedy, loss and ultimately reconciliation and acceptance are felt by the threesome.

Penny Sansevieri prides herself on the thoroughly researched details of Connecticut and Candlewood Lake. She is meticulous in getting the accuracy of cultural/regional specifics correct. I believe she wrote “Candlewood Lake” because she had fond memories shared by her own Mom and Dad of this lovely area. In my opinion, Penny did an excellent job and was successful in her endeavor.

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