Scan barcode
jennifermreads's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first Elizabeth Strout novel I have read. Yes, really! I have not yet read Olive Kittredge; I’ll get there someday.
I was left feeling very indifferent about this story. It was an okay tale: not earth-shattering, not breathtaking. It was a decent story of Lucy’s life but much detail was omitted (i.e.: what exactly happened in her childhood). I felt like so much of the story was skimmed over rather than explored or deeply shared. It just wasn’t enough for me.
I recognize that Olive Kittredge is the it novel for Strout fans so I will still definitely pick it up at some point. But I do not find myself eager to race to the shelves to consume Strout’s other works.
** Narration of audiobook was very good.**
I was left feeling very indifferent about this story. It was an okay tale: not earth-shattering, not breathtaking. It was a decent story of Lucy’s life but much detail was omitted (i.e.: what exactly happened in her childhood). I felt like so much of the story was skimmed over rather than explored or deeply shared. It just wasn’t enough for me.
I recognize that Olive Kittredge is the it novel for Strout fans so I will still definitely pick it up at some point. But I do not find myself eager to race to the shelves to consume Strout’s other works.
** Narration of audiobook was very good.**
rukmini's review against another edition
4.0
I might have to read this one again when I’m older to understand it better.
dreichler's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
aokoppes's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
alciewms's review against another edition
3.0
This was lovely -- dreamlike and diaphanous -- but the narrator stayed at arm's length, and her story was always just a little ways out of reach.
bhunsberger's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was eager to read this book as I have enjoyed Elizabeth Strout's writing in the past.
This book is a fairly quick read. I struggle with how to describe the book. There isn't a real story line that you follow. You get to know Lucy as she is in the hospital and is initially visited by her mother for the first time in many years. The story then jumps around and Lucy shares memories and stories from her childhood, her current life, and even from her future life. I feared that it would get confusing, but it actually flowed very well and I was quickly drawn into the new memory or story. Lucy shares her journey of becoming a writer. She also talks about her relationships - with her parents, her siblings, her husband - and how those have changed and evolved over time.
The writing was beautiful and flowing which really helped a book written in this manner without a real plot.
This book is a fairly quick read. I struggle with how to describe the book. There isn't a real story line that you follow. You get to know Lucy as she is in the hospital and is initially visited by her mother for the first time in many years. The story then jumps around and Lucy shares memories and stories from her childhood, her current life, and even from her future life. I feared that it would get confusing, but it actually flowed very well and I was quickly drawn into the new memory or story. Lucy shares her journey of becoming a writer. She also talks about her relationships - with her parents, her siblings, her husband - and how those have changed and evolved over time.
The writing was beautiful and flowing which really helped a book written in this manner without a real plot.
jamiebooks15's review against another edition
2.0
I liked that it was quick reading...and didn't *hate* it. I didn't like Olive Kitteridge either, I think I'm just not an Elizabeth Strout person. It was like a long short story...and I just really wanted something to happen but it just meandered and fell flat for me.
anniefdez's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed it immensely and was able to relate to my relationship with my mother at many times throughout the novel. I gave it 3 stars because it ended abruptly for me with many questions left unanswered
raziehraz's review against another edition
2.0
I really enjoyed the deep and emotional portrayal of childhood trauma that goes back by several generations. Even though I thought it had potential to explore the matter better with the information the book contained.