Rating: 
Summary: A good story, a bad intro to Judaism
Review: You could say that I am the product of the relationships in this book. That is, one of my parents is Catholic and the other is Jewish, and they married in the mid 70s when inter-religious marriage was not a great thing to do.... this book is NOT about why a person would choose to fall in love with someone with a different religious background and then marry him. This book is also not about conquering anti-Semitism in Vermont, as the book jacket would have you believe. In the 1960s, a Jewish family tries to book a room at the Inn at Lake Devine, only to be told that the Inn doesn't rent to Jews. This sparks an obsessive nature in the youngest daughter, Natalie, who finagles a week at the hotel with a hastily made friend at summer camp. Ten years later, Natalie returns for this friend's wedding and falls in love with the owner's son Kris. This, of course, causes some issues with both sets of parents, neither of whom like the idea of their children marrying outside their faiths. This does not bother anyone except the parents, keep in mind, and thus Nat and Kris do their own thing and do stay together. Really, there was never any doubt in my mind that they wouldn't. What really bugged me about this book was the the echoes of Judaism rang false for me. An Orthodox girl marrying a Reform rabbi, and her parents are OKAY with this? Stranger that her parents don't really put of much of a fight when she ends up with the Christian guy in the end, either -- actually, none of the parents seem to put up much of a fight about anything in this book. Either they are far more willing to "go with the flow" than my grandparents, or Elinor Lipman has her head stuck in the sand.
Rating: 
Summary: An awesome book!
Review: I loved this book. It's the story of a Jewish girl who goes with her old friend, Robin, to a cabin that doesn't like Jewish people for her wedding. Something unexpected happens and it's the story the girl and an unexpected friend...there are a million twists and turns and I absolutely loved it! E. Lipman is a wonderful writer who knows how to write a wonderful book. She makes you feel like you're in love with the leading man.
Rating: 
Summary: Fluff and cowardice
Review: The author would have us believe her book is an investigation into the important issues of anti-semitism and intermarriage. However, we get no insights into either subject. The anti-semetic feelings of the owner of the Inn are never explored. Three Jewish girls marry outside of their religion and we are never given any clue about the reasons for their choices, other than the fact they are controlled by their raging hormones. To tell us that anti-semitism exists and inter-marriages occur and give no insight into either is, in my view, an act of intellectual cowardice. Lipman's flightly treatment of such serious issues is not acceptable.
Rating:
Summary: A good intro to Lipman
Review: I have never read anything by Elinor Lipman before. What a great start for me! The Inn at Lake Devine is a well-written novel with interesting dialogue and sarcastic humor that kept me laughing. I don't know much about being Jewish, so that was a problem for me (although minor ). Other than that I was very drawn to her writing style and will now begin my search for her other novels.
Rating:
Summary: good beginning, then downhill into cliche and stupidity
Review: I'm a big Lippman fan. The fun breezy style is here, but after a good beginning the characters, plot and theme were all boring, stupid cliches. Also incredibly insensitive to issues of jewish identity. This book ruined my weekend.
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Summary: Jewish girl pines to be Gentile says it all
Review: I agree with other lipman fans that this one was all downhill after girl grows up. Like others, I found the "let's marry Christians" Jewish theme shallow and offensive. As if marrying blue eyes and a down vest is an answer to antisemitism. Characters shallow and plot predictable and cliched. Her style still carries you through, but it left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
Rating:
Summary: A True to Life Treasure
Review: I really enjoyed reading The Inn at Lake Devine. I could really relate to Natalie as both a child and a young adult. Who hasn't felt like an outsider without really understanding why. This novel touched on so many different feelings - anti-Semitism, love, grief and so much more. From Natalie re-uniting with her childhood friend from camp to her relationship with the family at the inn (I don't want to ruin anything for those who haven't the book yet) - let's just say that her relationships are complicated. This was a fun read from start to finish and I definitely plan to read more of Ms. Lipman's work.
Rating:
Summary: "Because she had Clue and Life"
Review: Read it in two sittings and was stunned regularly. Lipman is pure delight. Highly recommended.
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Summary: Can't Wait for the Movie
Review: The comparisons to Laurie Colwin were apt. I think the book would also make a terrific movie.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book I have read in a LONG time
Review: I absolutely adored this book. I would have never even heard of it if it hadn't been for my wonderful sister. She happened to bring it with her on a visit home from college and it didn't take me long to catch up to her. We sat in my grassy yard reading it together, looking at eachother with excitement every single page into the book. I only wish that I could find my own "Chris" and spend the rest of my life with him at the "Inn at Lake Devine". The entire book made you want more, and Lipman gave you exactly what you craved. I now drop by the local bookstore every time I am bored or having a bad day just to pick up an untouched Elinor Lipman book. Although nothing could compare to 'Lake Devine', her other works are still enchanting.
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