Loon Lake Summary
E. L. Doctorow

Loon Lake Overview

Loon Lake is a novel by E.L. Doctorow. The story takes place in the 1930s and follows Joseph Korzeniowski, a boy who is about 18 years of age. He leaves his hometown of Paterson, New Jersey in search of adventure and new experiences. His wanderings eventually take him to Loon Lake, New York, where he falls in love with the girlfriend of a powerful gangster. In his following trials and tribulations, he must reckon with grave realities of American society. The novel explores themes of independence, love, capitalism, morality, and responsibility.