“So much of life seems speculation.”
What Yates does for ‘quietly depressing’, Elizabeth Strout does for ‘deeply sad’.
In her latest (brilliant) book, My Name is Lucy Barton , we meet Lucy, a woman confined to a hospital bed because of an inexplicable infection. During her long hospital stay, Lucy’s estranged mother pays a visit and it’s through their conversations that we learn about Lucy’s life.
‘I kept thinking how the five of us had had a really unhealthy family, but I saw then too how our roots were twisted so tenaciously around one another’s hearts. My husband said, “But you didn’t even like them.” And I felt especially frightened after that.’
There are no screeching plot twists or shocking revelations – this is an earnest character study and in Lucy and her mother, Strout has created two women that are deeply, deeply sad and lonely. But not bitter. It’s important to emphasise the lack of bitterness – they’re not angry or demanding but nor are they depressed or passive. It’s pure sadness, ever-present, resigned.
“Lonely was the first flavour I had tasted in my life, and it was always there, hidden inside the crevices of my mouth, reminding me.”
The writing style is intimate – the tempo of the conversations Lucy has with her mother are repeated in Lucy’s inner monologues, allowing the reader to feel like they’re in conversation with her. Some will find it disjointed but I felt it reflected thought patterns, and the ebb and flow of conversations with someone who you know well, where there’s no need to fill in all the spaces.
4/5 Simple, heart-breaking, memorable.
I received my copy of My Name is Lucy Barton from the publisher, Random House, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Ive not read her – must be one of the few people who never got to Olive Kettering. Would you say this is better?
Her characters aren’t obviously ‘endearing’ but they are memorable. If I had to pick between this one and Olive, I’d choose Olive (I loved it).
Wow. This sounds amazing. Weirdly I was just watching the TV adaptation of Olive Kitteridge this weekend. I will definitely seek this out.
I LOVED that tv series – so well done and captured the spirit of Olive and the town she lived in.
There are similarities between this one and Olive – Olive is more complex but this is a great read.
I am reading this now and really enjoying it. Love how she thinks and writes.
Enjoy!
Elizabeth Strout’s prose are always masterful; her stories are often shaded dark, describing the unfolding of a regular life or lives, characters expressing the mundane madness of moving through their allotted destinies. She’s not going to spring any serial killing boyfriend or “gosh, Dad’s really a spy working for the CIA” on her reader. Her characters suffer loudly and quietly, they die, they disappoint, are disappointed…they embrace joy when it smacks right up against them. She’s a fictional “realist”.
Lucy Barton is on my 2016 “to be read” list, but I don’t expect to be doing cartwheels upon completion… which is alright, as my days of limitless cartwheeling are behind me.
Your comment was better than my review 🙂
You’re too kind.
Did you read her one after Olive and before this one? I avoided because I didn’t hear good things about it, but like you I loved Olive, so would put this on the list if you say it’s good enough… ?
Burgess Boys? I haven’t read it. Only read Olive a few years ago (did you see the tv series of Olive – it was beautifully done).
This book is short – you could knock it over in an arvo and it would be an afternoon well spent.
Yes Burgess Boys. I did see the tv version of Olive, watched it twice in a week once on my own and then once again with my mother, knowing she’d love it. I will read this one… next year!
I’ve never read anything by Elizabeth Strout, but I have heard good things about her work.
I think often times we over look these novels that are ‘quieter’ for more action and drama, but these kinds of novels are just as powerful but in an understated way. I’ve added this one to my wishlist because it sounds amazing – thought provoking even.
Ultimately I prefer quieter novels – less likely to be spoiled by reading reviews as well (nothing worse than knowing the plot twist in a thriller before you’ve even read it!).
I have a copy of this one which will be my introduction to Elizabeth Strout – I’m looking forward to a quieter novel now.
If you enjoy this one, make time for Olive Kitteridge (there’s good reason why so many people love it).
I just read a review of this book in the newspaper this morning, and I’m so happy to see your review now! Your thoughts on this book make me think I need to put in on my to-read list. Thanks!
Do! It’s not a long or challenging book but it is full of feeling.
This sounds great! I love the way you describe their sadness – makes me want to read it right away. But my plan is to read Olive first, since she is sitting on my shelf. 🙂
This is on my list. It has come recommended from several sources, including you, and is scheduled to be read soon!
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Didn’t love Burgess Boys but this looks more like a return to what made her popular with Olive Kitteridge.
The way in which she develops the characters in Lucy Barton reminded me of Olive. It’s a brilliant book.
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