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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I’m aware now that this book is well-loved by readers. I must have missed something. Yes, Olive is quite a character. I guess I was looking for more of a story. I remember feeling disappointed when I finished the book.
Tedious and depressing. I gave this book a hundred pages and still had no interest in any of the characters. If I’ve read that far and not a single character engages me, it’s time to put the book down and move on. Which I did.
A wonderful book about a memorable character and her world. There is so much to dislike about Olive and yet she pulls you in. Her behavior at times makes you laugh, cry, cringe , feel sorry for her and want to slap her all in turn. But there is something about her that brings you back and you want more. Compelling!!!!
Dud not finish
Mini overviews of a life painfully lived. Many emotional issues colored Olive’s responses to events in her life. Wanting a good rapport with her husband, son, daughter in law and friends but pushing them away is a repeated theme in the book. While Olive is hard to love, the reader feels empathy for her conflicting emotions. A sobering read!
Just didn’t enjoy it.
Loved this book!
A little boring. I know it was well loved. It didn’t connect with me.
not interesting
One of the best books ever written.
One of my top 10 books of all time!
This is not your typical “read”. Ordinary people doing ordinary things makes this an easy to read entertaining book.
Excellent development of characters
Great book about realistic people. The mini-series is excellent also.
I rated this book as a 4 out of 5, and That means It was quite good. But when I am asked to indicate what I liked about it, only two out of the set of fixed words from which I can choose fit, and they are weak fits. Why don’t I have options like “deep” or “thought provoking” or “incisive” or “moving” (in this case not the same as inspirational)? …
I read this some years ago, and I recall that the book was lyrical, had fascinating characters, revealing about family relationships and life in a small town.
Wonderful read!
I love this book! Olive will stay with you long after you finish reading this wonderful read.
It has been quite some time since I have read Olive’s story but it has stayed with me. Olive doesn’t sugarcoat her observations of the life around her and, I must say, “Bravo, Olive, sit by me, if we ever meet up.” She’s a survivor, not a graceful bone in her body, not Miss Congeniality, not the girl next door. I do recommend this book. A dose of …
Couldn’t stand being with this grouchy character and didn’t find her real.