Review: The Lobster Kings

The Lobster Kings by Alexi Zentner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Cordelia Kings navigates an unforgiving sea of love, sibling rivalry, meth dealers from the mainland, and a family curse as she is poised to inherit the crown of her father’s fishing legacy and fights to preserve the way of life in her home of Loosewood Island.

The Lobster Kings is a well-written family saga, rich with the descriptions of the fictional Loosewood Island, located off the eastern shore of the US and Canada, wavering in nationality as the border shifts but certain in its identity as a rough paradise for lobster fishermen and painters.

King Lear is referenced throughout the book, both explicitly and as the apparent basis for the plot. Having not read the play, most of the Lear references were lost on me, and it's probably just as well because the book stands well enough on its own. Though I was continuously wondering if I was missing something.

I really enjoyed this book. All of the characters are likable and relatable however imperfect. The island is almost a character in itself, and if you have ever been to the east coast you can easily visualize the scenery. The intermix of art, storytelling, and rough and tumble island life seems at odds at first, but makes a charming mix. (4.5/5)



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