DREAM STATE by Eric Puchner is a captivating tale that unfolds in a fictional Montana, filled with both charm and darkness. The setting feels like a dream influenced by our cultural stories and the rugged spirit of the frontier. But underneath the beauty lies a grim reality shaped by worries about climate change and loss.
The story pivots around a lake in the Flathead Valley, acting as a central point for three main characters: Cece, Charlie, and Garrett. Their lives intertwine during a wedding that doesn’t go as planned. The lake sparkles with memories but gradually dries up, mirroring the characters’ personal struggles with challenges like depression, addiction, and Alzheimer’s.
Cece, a strong-willed bride, is excited about her upcoming lakeside wedding to her charming fiancé, Charlie, a cardiac anesthesiologist. However, Charlie’s work in Los Angeles keeps him away, so he asks his friend Garrett, a Montana local, to assist Cece. Garrett grapples with guilt over a friend’s death and often spirals into a dreamlike depression. As Cece spends time with him, she finds herself drawn to his raw honesty, something she doesn’t see in Charlie.
Things take a turn when a norovirus outbreak turns the wedding into chaos, leading to unexpected changes. From there, each character’s journey shifts dramatically. While Charlie struggles with confusion and heartache, Garrett finds his footing in marriage and becoming a father.
“Dream State” spans decades, portraying the characters from their 20s into their 70s. It’s a story about growing older, highlighting that self-discovery continues well beyond our youth. Through their experiences, the novel explores the fear of living a life marked by regret and the overarching anxiety brought on by climate change.
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Books and Literature,Puchner, Eric,Dream State (Book)
