Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club
J. Ryan Stradal writes books that are homages to the Midwestern lifestyle, and there is nothing quite as Midwestern as supper clubs. As such, I hoped his latest book, Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club, would be as charming as his previous books. To some extent, it is all I wanted in a book about supper clubs. Unfortunately, I remain less enamored of the ending and one of the characters to have wholly enjoyed it.
First and foremost, I struggled with my feelings towards Mariel's mother, Florence. Actually, I detested her. Perhaps it is because she reminded me in some ways of my mother, the cause of much childhood trauma and the reason I still attend regular therapy sessions. It might be what Florence does to her stepfather and her utter lack of remorse about it. Either way, something about this semi-main character rubbed me the wrong way, and I was displeased with her story arc.
Actually, I was not impressed with most of the main characters, which severely limited my ability to enjoy the story. I found that some were too weak, and others were too single-minded. Betty and Julia were the only ones I sympathized with and enjoyed.
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club does justice to the Midwestern darlings that are supper clubs. Mr. Stradal excels at highlighting the charms of the Midwest, and here is no different. He does an excellent job of explaining these unique eateries and shows why they remain so popular today.
Unfortunately, the kitsch and charm of the supper clubs could not overcome the rather disappointing and depressing ending or the lackluster characters. I enjoyed Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club, but I would steer readers to one of his other books before recommending this one.