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 enjoyed the variety of characters and how all their stories cam together.
If I had known that Pulitzer awarded such a depressing book, I would not have read it! I surely hope the author knows some people who live and enjoy God’s wonderful grace, giving them hope and joy in Christ. Maybe Henry was as close as she could come. Definitely not worth any awards!
Stunningly wonderful!
Took me a while to really get into this author’s unique writing style but by the end of the book, I hated to see the last page.
Although the relationships between characters and the odds of happiness were portrayed as bleak, there was something reassuring about how despite all that , we do get on in the world and life is precious, even if frightening and often lonely. The author really captured the kaleidoscope of feelings one person can have for another and the paths …
Great character development and depth.
A great read
Great story and very well written
Strout’s sensibility is so generous and accepting…something to emulate, at least, to strive to.
It was not my favorite read. Actually, I felt it was a downer.
Very slow with a poor ending
Well written with interesting characters, but there were way too many characters and storylines.
The story rambled and there really wasn’t an ending.
In many ways this stuck too close to home. While I can’t say I enjoyed the book, I do see its value. Olive is not a lovable character. Despite being a teacher, she prefers to keep to herself and her flower garden. However she does impact the lives of her students, neighbors, and family…
Outstanding read, will look for TV production as it does sort of scream Frances McDormand.
An interesting book with interesting characters and sub-plots. It is easy to understand why this became a show.
Love Strout’s style and knack for bringing her characters to life.
Did not like it at all. Totally unlikable main character.
Did not care for the book at all.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I expected to based on reviews and a local book club. Just didn’t grab me. I guess I was disappointed that Olive wasn’t more heroic or inspirational.