Mary Lamers
Cottage on the Curve
"Cottage on the Curve" by Mary Lamers is a novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the Murray family, particularly focusing on the experiences of the young protagonist, Jane Murray, as she navigates her summer adventures at their cottage by Oak Lake amidst the backdrop of post-war nostalgia. The novel blends familial warmth with the innocence of childhood, depicting themes of growth, friendship, and the fleeting joys of summer. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Jane as she reflects on the end of the school year and the onset of summer. She is drawn into her family's lively atmosphere, where her interactions with her siblings and beloved pet monkey, Butchie, showcase their daily life and playful banter. The narrative encapsulates the routines of summer, from trips to the lake to whimsical adventures with her brothers. Jane expresses a longing for the peaceful days at the lake, emphasizing the themes of nostalgia and the simple pleasures of childhood, setting the stage for the family's vibrant summer escapades.