I started reading this book because I knew that the Lucy Barton series would soon intersect with the character of Olive Kitteridge and I was curious to see what she was all about! We get a sneak preview of an older grumpy curmudgeon, but what’s going on behind her hellion reputation?
Similar to some of her other books, this is not a straightforward narrative in the sense that we swap perspectives and enter other people’s lives and stories, though there is always a connecting link to Olive.
I think this is very much a character-led book and I think a lot of your enjoyment outside of the masterful prose and smart social observations is how connected you feel to Olive.
I think it’s really interesting to see her from other people’s viewpoints and despite there being a lot of problematic scenes and us getting insights into some of the less savoury parts of her, you also get to see her in moments of connection and community.
I think community is a an important theme: this book very much looks at what is community, and how do we feel connected? Why do we feel connected? Why do we feel disconnected?
And while I do struggle to fully understand or connect with the parochial viewpoints, I did really enjoy an insight into a different type of world.
I think there’s some really interesting foreshadowing when it comes to the politics and there is some discussions of a cocaine fuelled president causing chaos…. written in the 2000s that was an interesting take.
I think there’s some really beautiful things in here about regrets and family and how do you say the things that you need to say? The analysis of the relationship between Olive and her son Christopher is super illuminating.
It’s always great to see an author back a more unlikable character.
I also feel that it’s such a clever sleeper of a book because the easy prose almost hides the fact that it’s looking at some really heavy topics.
One word: heavy.
Leave a Comment