WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • THE EMMY AWARD–WINNING HBO MINISERIES STARRING FRANCES MCDORMAND, RICHARD JENKINS, AND BILL MURRAYIn a voice more powerful and compassionate than ever before, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Strout binds together thirteen rich, luminous narratives into a book with the heft of a novel, through the presence of one larger-than-life, unforgettable character: … unforgettable character: Olive Kitteridge.
At the edge of the continent, Crosby, Maine, may seem like nowhere, but seen through this brilliant writer’s eyes, it’s in essence the whole world, and the lives that are lived there are filled with all of the grand human drama–desire, despair, jealousy, hope, and love.
At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town and in the world at large, but she doesn’t always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance: a former student who has lost the will to live: Olive’s own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse.
As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life–sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition–its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY
People • USA Today • The Atlantic • The Washington Post Book World • Seattle Post-Intelligencer • Entertainment Weekly • The Christian Science Monitor • San Francisco Chronicle • Salon • San Antonio Express-News • Chicago Tribune • The Wall Street Journal
“Perceptive, deeply empathetic . . . Olive is the axis around which these thirteen complex, relentlessly human narratives spin themselves into Elizabeth Strout’s unforgettable novel in stories.”—O: The Oprah Magazine
“Fiction lovers, remember this name: Olive Kitteridge. . . . You’ll never forget her. . . . [Elizabeth Strout] constructs her stories with rich irony and moments of genuine surprise and intense emotion. . . . Glorious, powerful stuff.”—USA Today
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Elizabeth Strout’s The Burgess Boys.
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Interesting characters
It was a very engaging ready, however, the course the plot took felt a little too contrived. Found the ending to be a little too convenient.
Enjoyed reading about different viewpoints from different generations. Great story about aging.
I had heard so much about the book – but was disappointed in the fact that it had too many stories that were not congruently connected.
I did finish it – like a train wreck – you just have to look or read to the end!
Couldn’t put it down. Olive turned up in so many different sections and each chapter was a surprise
I found it easy to empathize with the pain of the characters.
I seldom stop reading a book in the middle, but this one was to totally negative and depressing, that it made that list for me. I feel sorry for an author who sees the world in this way.
Very entertaining,I really enjoyed this.
Great book!! Will be reading more by this author.
The writing is good but tends to rely on melodrama. Olive Kittredge is an unpleasant and rather dull character and an odd choice to be the element that ties the stories together.
A very special unusual format with Olive herself touchingly quirky who reminded me of my own mother to the letter. One of my favorite reads.
Very different development of characters.
I love the way the different characters were woven into Olive’s life. Hard to put down!
Great unfolding of the main character through various perspectives. Good read!
The kind of book that makes other writers feel humble
I like how all the stories are different, but Olive keeps turning up in them.
Terrific. I loved Olive: she’s an original, and totally believable.
Olive Kitteridge is a crusty, prickly woman of upper-senior citizen status who lives in the fictional small coastal town of Crosby, Maine. She no longer cares what anyone thinks of her, and one gets the feeling that she never has. She towers over many people both in physical stature and her strong opinions, and has put off more than a few by her …
Just wasn’t my thing. I did not finish it but may go back to
It later.
Brilliant. An absorbing read. You don’t have to like Olive to love her. I recommend this to my friends and followers.