Elizabeth Strout

The world of Olive Kitteridge, a retired school teacher in a small coastal town in Maine, is revealed in stories that explore her diverse roles in many lives, including a lounge singer haunted by a past love, her stoic husband, and her own resentful son.

Olive Kitteridge

Enjoyed the format but found it a little slow going. 

Molly Bridge

"Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout left me feeling underwhelmed and bored. The ebook, a collection of short stories linked by the recurring character of Olive, failed to captivate me despite its unique structure. Olive's portrayal as a bitter, judgmental woman held little appeal, and the stories often felt petty and devoid of engaging plots.

While the book explored themes of desire and human hunger, the execution lacked depth and entertainment value. The narratives touched upon heavy topics like adultery, alcoholism, and suicide, but even the more dramatic moments felt dull and uninspiring.

Strout's writing style, replete with bloated similes and unnecessary embellishments, further detracted from my enjoyment. The attempt to convey deep insights on the passage of time fell flat, leaving me unimpressed.

Despite the occasional glimpse of insightful commentary on embracing one's desires, "Olive Kitteridge" ultimately failed to resonate with me. The ebook's structure, while unique, couldn't compensate for the lack of compelling storytelling and engaging characters.

Liana

"Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout left me feeling underwhelmed and bored. The ebook, a collection of short stories linked by the recurring character of Olive, failed to captivate me despite its unique structure. Olive's portrayal as a bitter, judgmental woman held little appeal, and the stories often felt petty and devoid of engaging plots.

While the book explored themes of desire and human hunger, the execution lacked depth and entertainment value. The narratives touched upon heavy topics like adultery, alcoholism, and suicide, but even the more dramatic moments felt dull and uninspiring.

Strout's writing style, replete with bloated similes and unnecessary embellishments, further detracted from my enjoyment. The attempt to convey deep insights on the passage of time fell flat, leaving me unimpressed.

Despite the occasional glimpse of insightful commentary on embracing one's desires, "Olive Kitteridge" ultimately failed to resonate with me. The ebook's structure, while unique, couldn't compensate for the lack of compelling storytelling and engaging characters.

almost DNF’d, this one was a slog. slow, unbelievably unlikable main character, and for me it was missing the overarching narrative to bind all the short stories together in a way that made me feel something

Vilandra

Slow, with an unlikable main character. It was okay, but I was glad to finish it.

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • The beloved first novel featuring Olive Kitteridge, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Oprah’s Book Club pick Olive, Again “Fiction lovers, remember this name: Olive Kitteridge. . . . You’ll never forget her.”—USA Today NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post Book World • USA Today • San Francisco Chronicle • Chicago Tribune • Seattle Post-Intelligencer • People • Entertainment Weekly • The Christian Science Monitor • The Plain Dealer • The Atlantic • Rocky Mountain News • Library Journal 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. The inspiration for the Emmy Award–winning HBO miniseries starring Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, and Bill Murray

Fiction

I thought I would enjoy this more, I struggle with unlikeable main characters. 

Veronica Overholt

In which way are you dying? I'm very interested in growing old. This book reminded me of listening to folklore and evermore and I want to read everything this woman ever wrote. I'm in Berlin alone, no, not alone, with P&P. I just hope nothing out of the ordinary happens. And me as a girl would be baffled by this way of thinking. Reading this book is zooming out, and giving sweet old judging a rest. 

Dora Tominic

Disclaimer: this is not a review.

In which way are you dying? I'm very interested in growing old. This book reminded me of listening to folklore and evermore and I want to read everything this woman ever wrote. I'm in Berlin alone, no, not alone, with P&P. I just hope nothing out of the ordinary happens. And me as a girl would be baffled by this way of thinking. Reading this book is zooming out, and giving sweet old judging a rest. 

Siya S

This book is a whirlwind of emotional Rollercoaster for me. It was kind of sad, then it was really sad, and then it was hopeful. I mean, Olive is a very difficult person to like as a character, but I am grateful for her real and honest nature. She reminds me of my parents too in a way. It was a good read.

Emelie

DNF at 60%. Olive is horrible and the stories and just plain boring!

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • THE EMMY AWARD–WINNING HBO MINISERIES STARRING FRANCES MCDORMAND, RICHARD JENKINS, AND BILL MURRAY In a voice more powerful and compassionate than ever before, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Strout binds together thirteen rich, luminous narratives into a book with the heft of a novel, through the presence of one larger-than-life, unforgettable character: Olive Kitteridge. At the edge of the continent, 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. 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 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 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. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY People • USA Today • The Atlantic • The Washington Post Book World • Seattle Post-Intelligencer • Entertainment Weekly • The Christian Science Monitor • San Francisco Chronicle • Salon • San Antonio Express-News • Chicago Tribune • The Wall Street Journal “Perceptive, deeply empathetic . . . Olive is the axis around which these thirteen complex, relentlessly human narratives spin themselves into Elizabeth Strout’s unforgettable novel in stories.”—O: The Oprah Magazine “Fiction lovers, remember this name: Olive Kitteridge. . . . You’ll never forget her. . . . [Elizabeth Strout] constructs her stories with rich irony and moments of genuine surprise and intense emotion. . . . Glorious, powerful stuff.”—USA Today BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Elizabeth Strout’s The Burgess Boys.

Sonja H

Yes, it is a well written book with a very intersting main character. But all the other characters seam so weak and depressed and dumb. All in all I don't like the negative atmosphere the author created.

Victoria P

it was good, nothing too special. the short story type writing was fun but sometimes a bit confusing. i liked how strout described the scenery and characters a lot!

Cindy Lieberman

A group of short stories concerning the inhabitants of Crosby, Maine, with direct or tangential connections to Olive Kitteridge, the local high school math teacher, wife of Henry (the town pharmacist), and mother of their only child, David. The collection spans about 40 years of her life in this small town, where everyone knows each others’ business. As a novel it lacked a clear or strong narrative through line. The chapters would wander off in different directions with other, albeit usually interesting, characters, Eventually, there would be a thread that pulled the sleeve or pocket close and affixed it to the torso (ie the Olive story). It was only in the credits and acknowledgements that I learned of the many different magazines and anthologies where the individual stories had been previously published. I found that I had to speed up the audiobook to hold my attention. The book could have focused more specifically on Olive and her immediate family and been half the length; or it could have been called Stories of Crosby, Maine and been more accurate. Still not sure how I feel about it, Pulitzer Prize and all.

Olive Kitteridge might be described by some as a battle axe or as brilliantly pushy, by others as the kindest person they had ever met. Olive herself has always been certain that she is 100% correct about everything - although, lately, her certitude has been shaken. This indomitable character appears at the centre of these narratives that comprise Olive Kitteridge. In each of them, we watch Olive, a retired schoolteacher, as she struggles to make sense of the changes in her life and the lives of those around her - always with brutal honesty, if sometimes painfully. Olive will make you laugh, nod in recognition, as well as wince in pain or shed a tear or two. We meet her stoic husband, bound to her in a marriage both broken and strong, and her own son, tyrannised by Olive's overbearing sensitivities. The reader comes away, amazed by this author's ability to conjure this formidable heroine and her deep humanity that infiltrates every page.

Sine

kitap, olive'in çevresinde, hayatlarına bir şekilde değdiği karakterlerin hikayelerinden ve olive'in hayatının muhtelif kesitlerinden bazı öykülerden oluşuyor. kitabın başından sonuna olive'in yetişkinliğine dair bir timeline oluşturmuş oluyoruz. yapısal olarak benzerlerini okumuşuzdur hepimiz muhakkak, ancak yine de çok farklı bir deneyimdi. hem dili bu kadar sade olup hem de bu kadar dolu dolu metinler yazabilmek büyük yetenek. 

kitap okurken her ne kadar ingilizcem iyi olsa da, dalıp gitmek, akademik bir şeyler okuyor gibi hissetmemek için pek ingilizce roman/öykü vs. okumam. genelde çeviriden tırstığımda ingilizce aslını okuyorum. ve bu dalıp gidememeler yüzünden genelde türkçe okumalarımdan daha uzun sürer ama kitabın çoğunu dün ve bugün bitirdim sayılır. çok akıcı ve farklı öykülerdi. gerçekten keyif aldım okumaktan.

p.s. olive'in merkezde olduğu hikayeleri daha çok sevdim.

update: hbo uyarlaması mini diziyi de izledim. harika olmuş. meraklısına tavsiye ederim.

Jenni Pertuset

I enjoyed the shifting perspectives that offered insight into Olive's character, but ultimately found I didn't care to know so very much about Olive.

Melody Izard

This is a novel presented in a string of somewhat unconnected stories. Each story takes place in the small town of Crosby, Maine and each one includes the stable existence of Olive Kitteridge. Elizabeth Strout takes us in and out of Olive's head; sometimes allowing us to hear her thoughts and feel her tiredness, and other times we simply sense her strong, big presence and listen to her frank, direct comments. She can be comforting in her brusque, outspoken way. And it feels like learning to be happy and calm underwater. Even though Olive is the seventh grade math teacher that everyone is afraid of and some of the town’s people whisper that they don’t understand how that sweet Henry Kitteridge can put up with her, you also see how this thick-ankled woman steps up to help people who are gasping for air. 

I feel compelled to say that until the (I think it was) 3rd to the last story and the last story I was headed toward rating this as a very strong five star book. But as much as I agree with Olive’s opinion of George W. Bush – I felt her outburst of hatred for the man and his term in office was just not in character and it distracted me from the mood of the story. I also felt like the author wanted for Olive and Christopher to show signs of growing and changing and learning and I didn’t think that was the point of the book at all and wondered if the author felt it was expected of her to give us readers a glimpse of the new improved Olive. I thought Olive was just fine with her flaws showing just like the tiny runs in her only pair of stockings. 

I almost hate to include those small complaints of the book. This was a novel that I did not want to end. I would find myself wondering and worrying about Angie and Kevin and the host of other local characters we glimpse in this wonderful book. Go get it and read it right now!

Roos Havinga

Gosh, I don’t even really know how I feel about this book. Did it touch me, or did it not? The beginning felt like a whole lot of strung together sentences with no directive, whereas at the end the story flowed much more. Maybe it’s just that this type of book, ones without an omnipresent storyline aren’t for me. Not a huge fan, also didn’t necessarily dislike it.

Deanna Kendall

This book came highly recommended and I already see that I am becoming attached to the characters.

I am really enjoying this book. Even though most of the characters are older than I am, I can really identify with them, which gives a lot to think about!

Paulina 

Przeorała mnie ta książka emocjonalnie i literacko. To jest cudowne, bolesne, piękne, prawdziwe, brudne i czyste jednocześnie.

"Usiąść obok niego oznaczałoby zamknąć oczy na ziejącą samotność tego rozświetlonego świata".

Michael Hessling

Notes to myself:

* Series of chapters revolving around residences of a small Maine coastal town, centered on Olive (mostly) and Henry Kitteridge.
* HBO series with Frances McDormand.
* Sad, but also hopeful, even though Olive is in her 70s at the end.
* Does security matter more than love? Is that what she was looking for?
* Hard to reconcile how much she loved her son with, frankly, how mean she was to him (and to others)--she *never* apologized!
* At the same time, she definitely had a positive impact on her students, saving lives by caring so much and being so forthright. 
* Most heartbreaking story: Bob and Janie. What the hell, Bob.

Elizabeth Strout's acclaimed novel Olive Kitteridge is now the basis for a HBO drama starring Academy Award-winner Frances McDormand. Olive Kitteridge: indomitable, compassionate and often unpredictable. A retired schoolteacher in a small coastal town in Maine, as she grows older she struggles to make sense of the changes in her life. She is a woman who sees into the hearts of those around her, their triumphs and tragedies. We meet her stoic husband, bound to her in a marriage both broken and strong, and a young man who aches for the mother he lost - and whom Olive comforts by her mere presence, while her own son feels overwhelmed by her complex sensitivities. A penetrating, vibrant exploration of the human soul, the story of Olive Kitteridge will make you laugh, nod in recognition, wince in pain, and shed a tear or two.

Andrea Hak-Kovacs

Francine Corry

At the edge of the continent, in the small town of Crosby, Maine, lives Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher who deplores the changes in her town and in the world at large but doesn't always recognize the changes in those around her.

Olive Kitteridge

Reviews