Hardback April 2008 Random House
Paperback October 2008
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout is truly a treasure–an immensely satisfying and deeply affecting work with one of the most full realized fictional characters I’ve encountered in some time.
Call by some “a novel in stories,” these thirteen linked stories set in a small town in Maine, focus on an acerbic, rather unlikeable retired school teacher named Olive Kitteridge. Not a particularly promising beginning, I’ll grant you. But in the hands of a gifted writer like Elizabeth Strout, Olive’s story comes alive, as do the stories of the lesser characters in the book. As the book progresses the author subtlety peels away layer upon layer of Olive’s protective armor–revealing finally, a much more complicated character. Ultimately Olive emerges as–yes–still irascible and blunt to the point of rudeness, but also as vulnerable, often fearful, sometimes compassionate, always complex–a very real human being.
Despite Olive’s larger than life presence throughout the book, the short stories themselves could stand alone. As one reviewer puts it: “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.”
The same reviewer concludes: “As the townspeape 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 its requires.”
Lest you be deterred by the thought of tackling such hefty themes, rest assured that Olive Kitteridge remains a remarkably accessible book–an easy read–if you will–which is, of course, yet another testimony to the genius of Elizabeth Strout. You’ll end up loving Olive and thanking Strout for offering a reading experience you won’t soon forget. -Billie
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