'Olive Kitteridge' by Elizabeth Strout is a novel in stories that delves into the life of the title character, Olive Kitteridge, through the eyes of various community members who interact with her in a small town in Maine. The book explores themes of loneliness, loss, hope, and human relationships, portraying Olive as a complex, strong, and honest character who faces hard realizations about herself with trademark honesty.
The interconnected stories in the book provide a deep exploration of Olive's character and her interactions with the people around her. Set in Crosby, Maine, the narrative weaves together Olive's presence in different characters' lives, showcasing her multifaceted personality that is both mean and loving, bitter and grateful. Through Olive's journey and the glimpses into the lives of other town residents, the book offers a poignant reflection on the human condition and the complexities of relationships.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains themes and discussions surrounding suicide, mental health issues (depression), infidelity, and familial conflict, which may be triggering for some readers.
From The Publisher:
WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE
The beloved first novel featuring Olive Kitteridge, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Oprah's Book Club pick Olive, Again
"Fiction lovers, remember this name: Olive Kitteridge. . . . You'll never forget her."-USA Today
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post Book World
USA Today
San Francisco Chronicle
Chicago Tribune
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
People
Entertainment Weekly
The Christian Science Monitor
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Rocky Mountain News
Library Journal
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 of Crosby, Maine, 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 her husband, 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.
The inspiration for the Emmy Award-winning HBO miniseries starring Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, and Bill Murray
Ratings (44)
Incredible (10) | |
Loved It (11) | |
Liked It (10) | |
It Was OK (8) | |
Did Not Like (4) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (84):
Read It (46) | |
Want To Read (30) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (7) |
6 comment(s)
When I read this a year ago I didn't get the fuss of the book. Didn't enjoy reading it but didn't hate either but was definitely not for me. But after reading other books by Elizabeth Strout I decided to give this another go and I'm glad I did as this time around I enjoyed it a lot more. Liked Olive's character a lot more.
I didn't like Olive Kittridge as a character but I did like figuring out how Olive fit into each of the short stories.
A novel in short stories,
Olive Kitteridge tells the story of the titular character through her own perspective, her husbands, and even acquaintances in her small town. Olive was once the "scariest" teacher at the local junior high school, and she keeps scaring people later in life with her refusal to be polite, meet expectations, or generally put up with anyone's bullshit. This can have a good effect on certain people, and partway through the book Olive seems like an unstoppable force of honesty. However, later in the book we see how vulnerable she really is, how much a victim of her own pride, and Olive takes on greater depth. As this moving book comes to a close, Olive has seen great change in her life, and admits to herself that she isn't done living it yet.
A bittersweet portrait of how one person affects her community, and how that person's seemingly brash exterior hides a fear of loneliness.
This book was beautifully written, raw and powerful, but it is one of the most depressing books I have ever read. Themes are aging, illness, suicide, dysfunction, etc. Several scenes were like a literal punch to the gut and it was hard to read over a holiday weekend!
Characters and storyline touch your heart
I don’t know how many times I’ve read this book, Olive Kitteridge is not a real likeable character at times, she’s kind of opinionated and set in her ways but I loved reading her story and loved this book each time I’ve read it. I think I’ve read all of this author’s books, she is one of my all time favorites and so is Olive.
What can you read after
Olive Kitteridge?
About the Author:
Elizabeth Strout is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Olive Kitteridge, winner of the Pulitzer Prize; Olive, Again, an Oprah's Book Club pick; Anything Is Possible, winner of the Story Prize; My Name is Lucy Barton, longlisted for the Man Booker Prize; The Burgess Boys, named one of the best books…
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