Reviews
I loved this book and it's definitely now in my top ten of all time. The writing was so incredibly beautiful. After a year of grief in 2020, this book gave me such a fresh, yet melancholy perspective for the future - something I really needed, in a way. Olive is an enigma, which makes for a story that is rich with emotion - her humanity, complexity, and depth is so raw and real, it created an attachment to a character that I haven't felt since The Goldfinch. I felt there were some loose ends, though. Perhaps this was because I hadn't read the first? But I would have loved to know what happened to Cindy, and what happened to Kayley. I was attached to these characters, and so the lack of follow-through with them was a bit of a disappointment. I guess that's a metaphor in its own way though - you never know what happens to all the loose ends that don't get tied up along the way.
While many readers and critics praised Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout, it didn't resonate with me. As a sequel to Olive Kitteridge, it may have been more enjoyable if I hadn't slogged through the first one. However, the main issue was that I couldn't connect with the elderly protagonist, Olive, who often came across as rude rather than simply honest and outright. Her advanced age made it difficult for me to relate to her experiences and struggles. Additionally, the writing style felt like general fiction rather than the beautiful literary prose I expected. Though the book covered important themes and had interesting side stories, certain situations made me uncomfortable. Ultimately, while I acknowledge its acclaim, Olive, Again wasn't for me, and I likely won't read Strout's other works at this stage of my life.
I love Olive Kitteredge. Can we maybe get a prequel now?
4,5
4.5/5 stars. I really admire Strout’s books and her way of writing about different human experiences.
Overly detailed yet small and sour stories about uninteresting people. Except for chapter 3 which was gratuitous and gross pedophilia.
Tal vez sea porque no leí el primer libro y solo vi la serie, pero no logre conectar bien con el personaje de Olive. Este libro es una especie de antología de historias de la gente del pueblo, que de una forma que si me resulto interesante, fueron afectados por la presencia de Olive en sus vidas. También esta la historia de Olive claro. Lo que sí puedo decir, es que creo que he conocido varias Olive y tal como me paso con esta, no conecte bien con ellas tampoco. Eso es lo que me lleva a darle 3 estrellas.
When I put a hold on an audiobook from the library and it comes in, I feel compelled to honor my earlier inclination. In this case, I requested it before reading Its predecessor, Olive Kitteridge. Didn’t love that and didn’t love the sequel. Some interesting characters, some interesting situations. It just didn’t hold together as a novel nor hold my interest.
She doesn't know who she is. She does know she doesn't like Trump. And Senior apartments sound like middle school
Tal vez sea porque no leí el primer libro y solo vi la serie, pero no logre conectar bien con el personaje de Olive. Este libro es una especie de antología de historias de la gente del pueblo, que de una forma que si me resulto interesante, fueron afectados por la presencia de Olive en sus vidas. También esta la historia de Olive claro. Lo que sí puedo decir, es que creo que he conocido varias Olive y tal como me paso con esta, no conecte bien con ellas tampoco. Eso es lo que me lleva a darle 3 estrellas.
I'm so glad that Olive is back! I first met her 10 years ago and was surprised to discover how she had stayed with me. She's the same old Olive, resistant to change, self involved, yet sympathetic and giving. Such a great character.
Wonderful. Some chapters were just outstanding; the entire book is just great. Elizabeth Strout is a master world builder; I used to think only fantasy and sci-fi authors built worlds. Strout does it right her in our world.
