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This novel is the sequel to WHEN THE WIND BLOWS, which has become James Paterson's most successful novel around the world. A cynic might say that it is no wonder he has written a sequel to it. However, does it enhance the reputation of the first or is it a disappointment? Max, the eldest of the winged children, knows that there are other biological experiments being carried out on people somewhere in America. She becomes increasingly worried, for fearing for her safety and that of her siblings. In the meantime, veterinarian Frannie O’ Neill and FBI Agent Kit Brennan are going to court to apply for custody of the children. Can there be a happy ending? Unfortunately, THE LAKE HOUSE cannot live up to WHEN THE WIND BLOWS. Yet again, it is a fast-paced tale, but one with very little real action. Patterson spends a lot of time describing the winged children, and works in love interest and tragedy for them, making it a very personal account of their struggles. In-between this, we have images of Dr. Ethan Kane, carrying out his medical experiments. It is here that the novel starts to go downhill and do so rapidly. Kane has achieved all kinds of medical and technological breakthroughs, most of which will require a large suspension of disbelief. Of course, the very premise of this book and the original, that of winged children, is hardly the most believable, but here, Patterson stretches the limits to a point where any elastic band would snap. The ending is also full of holes. One moment there is dire danger, the next, the danger is gone. Patterson does not explain, who or why, and the novel feels as though he had to conclude it as quickly as possible in order to not miss a deadline, leaving it essentially unfinished and rough around the edges. Overall, THE Lake HOUSE is going to disappoint all those who had high hopes for this sequel. It does seem that Patterson wanted to reuse these characters but was unable to find a suitable vehicle to do so, thus rehashing the plot of the first novel and trying to spice it up somewhat. A weak novel and another sign that Paterson's writing is going increasingly off the boil.
Reviewed by Luke Croll, November 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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