Lark and Termite
By Jayne Anne Phillips
Completed November 4, 2010
Allow me to start this review with a confession. I didn’t finish Lark and Termite. I tried to, but after reaching the half-way point, I decided to skim my way to the end. Unfortunately, and despite high hopes, I just could not get into this book. After reading other book reviews, I am glad to know I wasn’t the only one.
Lark and Termite is full of beautiful language and prose. I could never say that Jayne Anne Phillips can’t write, because she can, but I think what was missing from this book was the story. For me, it takes more than lyrical language to tell a story – you need something to say, not just the words to utter.
There was promise with the characters – Lark, a teenage girl who took care of her handicapped younger brother, Termite. Some of the chapters were told by them , but even their perspectives couldn’t help me feel invested in these characters. Nor did I feel much for young Bobby McLeavitt, who was fighting in Korea. I thought I would get wrapped up into their tales, but Phillips just didn’t evoke any connection from me for her characters.
So, after skimming to the end, I am officially done with Lark and Termite – and ready to move on to other stories. ( 
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The Magic Lasso 