Author:  Elizabeth Strout

Publisher:  Random House

ISBN:   978-0-8129-7183-5

Website:  www. randomhouse.com

 Type:  Fiction:Short Stories

Pages: 304 Trade Paperback

Published: March 25, 2008

Purchase: $8.40 @ Amazon.com (HERE)

The Story

“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.”

(Above excerpt is from www.randomhouse.com)

My Thoughts

This Pulitzer Prize winning book is the compilation of 13-short stories about some of the citizens of Crosby, Maine.  The characters in each and every story are somehow connected to Olive Kitteridge, whether it be that she was their neighbor, their teacher, or their family.  Although Olive stars in a number of these short stories, the individual characters in each of the stories are as vivid and memorable as the cantankerous Olive.   

It’s often difficult to pick a favorite in a collection.  In this collection, each tale tied together to form a timeline of Olive’s life, thereby rendering each one equally important.  However, I must say that I found “Starving,” “Security,” and “River” to be the most memorable of the baker’s dozen.  Speaking of which, this book made me crave donuts, Olive’s favorite, like you wouldn’t believe!

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this wonderful book?  If you’ve not heard about it… let me share with you that you will find a story of a true American family, in a town you can recognize, with people like those in your community, and with stories that will become the legacies of their lives.  It’s an All-American, honest, and wonderful book.

Don’t take my word for it… there are hundred of reviews out there that will tell you the same thing.  

 On Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale:”

Undoubtedly, this book gets my rating of 10 out of 10 and earns my seal of approval. 

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