Elizabeth Strout

Kimberly Farr

A Novel

Olive, Again

A New York Times-bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner continues the life of her beloved Olive Kitteridge, who struggles to understand not only herself and her own life but the lives of those around her in the town of Crosby, Maine.

emelia grace ilgner

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.

Liana

Andrew John Kinney

I love Olive Kitteredge. Can we maybe get a prequel now?

Anvar Cukoski 

Julia

4.5/5 stars. I really admire Strout’s books and her way of writing about different human experiences.

momo-reads

Overly detailed yet small and sour stories about uninteresting people.  Except for chapter 3 which was gratuitous and gross pedophilia.

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning, Number One New York Times bestselling author of Olive Kitteridge and My Name is Lucy Barton 'A terrific writer' Zadie Smith 'A superbly gifted storyteller and a craftswoman in a league of her own' Hilary Mantel 'A novel to treasure' Sunday Times Olive, Again follows the blunt, contradictory yet deeply loveable Olive Kitteridge as she grows older, navigating the second half of her life as she comes to terms with the changes - sometimes welcome, sometimes not - in her own existence and in those around her. Olive adjusts to her new life with her second husband, challenges her estranged son and his family to accept him, experiences loss and loneliness, witnesses the triumphs and heartbreaks of her friends and neighbours in the small coastal town of Crosby, Maine - and, finally, opens herself to new lessons about life. 'A powerful storyteller immersed in the nuances of human relationships' Observer 'She gets better with each book' Maggie O'Farrell 'Her writing is exquisite; her vision is boundless. What a sublime book.' Rachel Joyce 'Glorious' The Times 'A perfect novel' Financial Times

New novel by the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Olive Kitteridge

Rebeca Keren Nuñez

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.

Cindy Lieberman

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.

Melody Izard

She doesn't know who she is. She does know she doesn't like Trump. And Senior apartments sound like middle school

Jan Talkington

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.

Michael Hessling

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.

Olive, Again A Novel

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