Synopsis

A funny and emotionally resonant coming-of-age novel about one summer of momentous social and political change at a Jewish sleepover camp Its the summer of 2013 and 21-year-old Ruby, a counselor at Camp Burntshore, cant wait to supervise a rowdy cabin of 11-year-olds, smoke weed by the fire, and argue about which city make the best bagels. But when Brent, the camp owners son, hires Israeli soldiers to deal with a staffing shortfall, Ruby, a committed anti-Zionist, must decide if shes willing to jeopardize her place at Burntshore to fight Brent over the contentious issues of Jewish belonging and settler colonialism, even as she finds herself falling in love with one of the soldiers, the sweetly handsome Etai. Soon it becomes clear that the conflict is not just about the camps internal divisions but also about Burntshores relationship with the neighboring Black Spruce First Nation, strained because of Brents larger scheme to buy the Crown land surrounding the lake. As campers swim, go canoe tripping, and stage an over-the-top musical, Ruby has to contend with her feelings for Etai while simultaneously trying to save her beloved camp from greed and colonialism. A social satire, romance, and political commentary all in one, Lake Burntshore celebrates the contemporary Jewish world through its most iconic symbol the often idyllic yet always dramatic summer camp.

About The Author

Aaron Kreuter is the author of five books, including the poetry collection Shifting Baseline Syndrome, a 2022 finalist for the Governor Generals Literary Award. His work has been shortlisted for two Vine Awards for Jewish Literature, a Raymond Souster Award, and a ReLit Award. He lives in Toronto.

This is a standard paperback/soft cover version.