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42 pages 1 hour read

Anything Is Possible

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Elizabeth Strout

Anything Is Possible

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amgash, Illinois • Contemporary

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout, a companion to her earlier novel My Name Is Lucy Barton, is a collection of interconnected short stories set primarily in the fictional town of Amgash, Illinois. Through its 10 characters, the novel explores themes of resilience, family, and identity, depicting individuals' unique journeys and their connections with one another amidst personal traumas in an ever-changing yet familiar community. Topics of sexual violence and abuse are present in the narrative.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Emotional

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

3.9

88,267 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Drawing on her nuanced storytelling, Elizabeth Strout's Anything Is Possible receives praise for its interwoven narratives and deep character exploration. Critics commend its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of small-town life. Some note a slower pace and occasional disjointedness in the plot. Overall, it's a compelling read that resonates emotionally.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Anything Is Possible?

A reader who enjoys intricate, character-driven narratives and interconnected stories will cherish Elizabeth Strout's Anything Is Possible. Fans of Alice Munro's Dear Life or Ann Patchett's Commonwealth will appreciate Strout's nuanced exploration of small-town life and the complexities of human relationships.

3.9

88,267 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Lucy Barton

A woman who has left her hometown and achieved literary fame and financial security, but whose return to Amgash after many years forces her to confront her past and family dynamics.

Lucy's kind and shy brother who remains in Amgash, living a modest life while dealing with his family’s past and focusing on small joys.

Lucy's sister, who works in a difficult job and struggles financially, yet finds fulfillment in helping others and values the community around her.

A resident of Amgash who battles depression and self-esteem issues, but is motivated to think positively and pursue a better future.

A mother who reconnects with her daughter Angelina in Italy and works on mending their family relationship through forgiveness and understanding.

Mary's daughter, who, through the process of understanding her relationship with her mother, learns to embrace life's challenges.

A Vietnam War veteran struggling with mental health issues and the challenge of expressing love, representing a complex journey toward self-awareness.

A sibling who overcame a difficult childhood and found success and confidence by distancing himself from his past and embracing a new life.

Abel's sister, who shares a similar journey of overcoming past challenges and achieving a secure, self-assured existence away from their hometown.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amgash, Illinois • Contemporary

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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