Lark and Termite (Hardcover)

by Jayne Anne Phillips (Author)
Key Phrases: ragged orange cat, Nick Tucci, Social Services, Coral Gables (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. From Phillip's (Motherkind; Shelter) comes a long-awaited and wonderful coming-of-age tale of grief and survival. The story straddles a parallel six-day period in July, one in 1959—during which 17-year-old Lark; her brother, Termite, who cant talk; and their aunt and caretaker, Nonie, are struggling to balance hope and despair in smalltown West Virginia—and nine years earlier, when Termites father, Robert Leavitt, serves a tour in Korea. Lark, living with her aunt without knowing who her father is or why her mother gave her up, was nine years old when baby Termite landed on their doorstep. Nonie works long hours at a local restaurant to support the hodgepodge family, leaving Lark to take over mothering duties, but as Lark finishes secretarial school and realizes how limited the options are for her and Termite, forces of nature and odd individuals shed light on mysteries of the past and lend a hand in steering the next course of action. Through Robert and Nonie's stories and by exposing the innermost thoughts of each character, Phillips creates a wrenching portrait of devotion while keeping the suspense at a palpitating level. (Jan.)
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From The New Yorker
This poetic novel alternates between the last hours of Robert Leavitt, a corporal in the U.S. Army, pinned down in a tunnel in South Korea, in 1950, and the story of his disabled son, Termite, who, nine years later, is living with his half sister, Lark, and their aunt in West Virginia. Lark knows little of her mother and even less of her father, and pours herself into nurturing Termite, whose stunted body and lack of language has Social Services perpetually threatening to take him away. The appearance of a sympathetic social worker marks the beginning of a great fracture in their lives, which culminates in a flood that reveals the past and makes way for a new future. Phillips gives each scene an evocative, often lyrical description, but the mystical elements of the story and the improbable ending undermine an otherwise moving exploration of familial love.
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Knopf (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375401954
• ISBN-13: 978-0375401954
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,303 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A rich story of devotion. . . rewarding and unforgettable!, January 9, 2009

By	Tracy Stillman "Space Cadet" (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had been looking forward to the release of this novel since reading "Black Tickets: Stories" which spoke to me as I related to many of the characters from that time period. Her evocative prose and description of people and places take me back to an earlier time in my life.

Lark and Termite is a kind of coming of age novel divided into two periods: a week in July 1950 where a solder day dreams about his yet to be born son; and another week in July nine years later where we meet Lark the 17 year old sister of the now nine year old son named Termite. Termite is an orphan who is mentally disabled, he is blind, and his speaking ability is limited to repeating the end of others sentences. They live with their Aunt Nonie in Virginia were they struggle to find their way in a small town. Lark has invested herself in the care of her brother but not just from a sense of devotion but also true love for her brother, but Lark is also having to face up to the limited opertunities available to her. The mysteries of the past haunt Lark, and who she is and where she came from are developed as the story evolves. Phillips is able to do a wonderful job of weaving together a gut wrenching look into the lives of her characters while also delivering a suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages. My one compliant is that I did get confused a bit with some of the multiple sub-characters and cross plots, but this was also part of the mystery. Overall, a solid literary read that delivers on more than one level.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful affirmation of the art of fiction, January 19, 2009

By	Chris Owens (NJ United States) - See all my reviews

In a time when fiction seems to be lost amid memoirs and non-fiction, and chick-lit, this is a refreshing read. Crisp, magical, satisfyingly psychological - this novel spans great distances and time periods to effectively reveal a deeper message. The prose is rich and beautiful, but doesn't outshine the wonderful characters. Set in West Virginia and Korea, Lark and Termite is full of rich symbolism, character, and most of all - story. Surely, Lark and Termite is for the savvy reader - although this isn't to say this novel shouldn't be taken to the beach, or on a plane, and read leisurely (as I did). This is a well paced read with big pay-off, and will be sure to please those seeking a great literary escape. Phillips captures another time and place, and does so with conviction. I'd imagine this will be one of the best offerings of the year and will be up for some major awards. Five stars, easily.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Does Literary have to hold you at arm's length?, February 1, 2009

By	Kimberly R. Stagliano "Stagmom" (New England) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'll start off by saying I'm a genre reader. This book is clearly and elegantly literary fiction and the work of a talented, serious writer. The story lines are interesting - I preferred some voices over others.

I have children with special needs - I never connected with Termite. And I was frustrated that his disability seemed to warrant so little attention outside of his strange behaviors. But then I remembered WHEN this novel takes place and realized it was fitting that he remain a mystery.

I'll give my copy to a friend to read. Lark & Termite kept me at arm's length and I won't need to visit the characters again, though I'm glad I met them.