I’m still trying to wrap my head around this book—it’s like a blend of science fiction, yet not quite fitting into that category. It’s one of those books that leaves you pondering and wanting to give it a second read to fully grasp its intricate layers. Lakewood presents a fascinating and unsettling situation: the offer of health insurance for Lena’s seriously ill mother and a huge sum of cash in exchange for participating in a mysterious and vague study. It’s not your typical medical horror; instead, it leans more towards suspense and Mystery.

What truly grabbed my attention in this book were the characters, particularly Lena and her complex relationships with her friends and family. Lena, the main protagonist, is a deeply complex and relatable character, and her pain and desperation to hold on to fragments of goodness in her life resonate strongly. The mother-daughter relationship, with all its complications, served as a powerful aspect which definitely  elevated the book. The close friendship between Lena and Tanya, despite their differing backgrounds and Lena’s struggles, was also a highlight. I loved that this book explores things that go beyond the boundaries of Sci-Fi, diving into the historical context of unethical experiments on marginalized Black people in America. 

I also think that The atmospheric quality of Lakewood is exceptional—it feels like it’s filled with tension, eeriness, and a constant sense of impending doom. The vividness of scenes like Bethany losing her teeth, and the shock rippling through the other study participants, lingers in your mind.  some events did  come across as exaggerated , but the book maintains its grounding through Lena’s zeal and determination  to stay in the study for the sake of her mother.

Although the ending is vague, it just leaves too many questions unanswered and also  leaves us pondering the untold stories of the other study participants, the actual purpose and history of the study, and the aftermath in the town. So many things that happened didn’t make sense and honestly needs better closure.

To be honest, this was my first encounter with Megan Giddings’ work, and I have to say, Lakewood captivated me with its thought-provoking themes, complex characters, and eerie atmosphere. It’s the sort of book that continues to linger in your mind long even after you’ve put it down!