Last month, my TriCon Book Group discussed Elizabeth Strout’s novel-in-stories Olive Kitteridge. I loved the character development in this book, and gave it a very favorable review.
I was unable to attend the book group meeting (J wasn’t able to get home in time to do child-handoff with me, and I hadn’t arranged a babysitter), so I missed the group’s conversation about the book. Apparently everyone felt it was well-written, but not necessarily a happy story.
It is a slice of life: The stories are presented in chronological order, so we see Olive and Henry age (and all that comes with it), their son grow, marry and move away. We also see the intricacies of small town life, and how “small town” doesn’t mean “dull” or “simple”.
One member of the group, Karen, sent a follow-up email to the group, summarizing her thoughts. She did it so eloquently that I’ve asked her permission to reproduce it here:
No matter how people felt about the book it certainly did generate a good discussion!
Just to make myself clear, I would not necessarily want to be in, say a book group with Olive Kitteredge,
but I really did love her character. I should be embarrassed to admit this, but perhaps it is because there were pieces of her where I saw myself. As for the stories being depressing it has been my life experience that everyone has a story, and many, many of the stories are difficult to tell, and a little sad. But, we are all more than just one story, I saw hope within the lives of the people of Crosby, Maine because they had each other to move through the difficult times with. They knew each other, and they knew each others’ stories.
Is Olive Kitteridge on your bookshelf yet?
It certainly is … and all because of you!
Not yet, but it will be soon!
I really want to read this book. It’s nominated for a National Book Award isn’t it?
No, but it’s on my wish list and your review as well as Karen’s thoughts make it sound even better!
Yes! (to all!) – Olive Kitteridge is one of the fiction nominations by the National Book Critics Circle.
If you haven’t already listened, click over to my review to hear Elizabeth Strout read from the work. I love to hear an author read her work! She pronounces the name “kit-ridge” not “kit-ter-ridge” like I read it (in my head).