The Guest Book Book Summary

In 'The Guest Book,' Sarah Blake weaves a multi-generational tale that explores the dark secrets of an old family estate off the coast of Maine. As the story unfolds, the lives of the wealthy and privileged bear the weight of the past, revealing hidden truths that challenge their perceived ideals. Through the lens of history, race, and belonging, the novel sparks questions about privilege and the foundations of family legacy. Each character's struggle with identity brings an emotional depth that resonates with the reader. What happens when the past refuses to stay buried, and how far will one go to protect their family's narrative?

By Sarah Blake

Published: 2019

""There are stories in the silence, whispers of the past that echo through the spaces we leave behind.""

Book Review of The Guest Book

Instant New York Times Bestseller Longlisted for Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence 2020 New England Society Book Award Winner for Fiction “The Guest Book is monumental in a way that few novels dare attempt.” —The Washington Post The thought-provoking new novel by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Blake An exquisitely written, poignant family saga that illuminates the great divide, the gulf that separates the rich and poor, black and white, Protestant and Jew. Spanning three generations, The Guest Book deftly examines the life and legacy of one unforgettable family as they navigate the evolving social and political landscape from Crockett’s Island, their family retreat off the coast of Maine. Blake masterfully lays bare the memories and mistakes each generation makes while coming to terms with what it means to inherit the past.

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"There are stories in the silence, whispers of the past that echo through the spaces we leave behind."

The Guest Book

By Sarah Blake