50 pages • 1 hour read
Lucy by the Sea
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Maine • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout, Lucy Barton relocates from New York City to a rural Maine community with her ex-husband, William, to escape the Covid-19 pandemic. They navigate pandemic life, their evolving relationship, and social unrest from afar, eventually deciding to settle in Maine permanently, facing new challenges with a sense of resilience and adaptation. The novel also includes depictions of widespread fear and death, as well as discussions on sexual assault and police violence.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
88,526 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Strout’s Lucy by the Sea has received favorable reviews for its nuanced portrayal of grief, introspection, and human connections during the pandemic. Critics praise Strout's delicate narrative and emotional depth. However, some note a slow pacing and lack of plot intensity. Overall, it's a compelling, character-driven novel that resonates with readers.
Who Should Read Lucy by the Sea?
Readers who appreciate introspective, character-driven narratives will enjoy Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout. Fans of Olive Kitteridge and Gilead would be drawn to its exploration of personal relationships and resilience amidst life's challenges. The novel's tender, contemplative style appeals to those who cherish deep emotional journeys.
88,526 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
William Gerhardt
William Gerhardt
Lucy's first husband and a parasitologist, who plays a key role in her life when they both relocate to Maine during the pandemic.
Bob Burgess
Bob Burgess
A lawyer in Crosby, Maine, whom Lucy befriends upon her arrival; he shares a background with Lucy and understands her work.
Chrissy Gerhardt
Chrissy Gerhardt
Lucy and William’s oldest daughter, who navigates significant personal challenges during the pandemic while staying in Connecticut.
Becka Gerhardt
Becka Gerhardt
Lucy and William’s younger daughter, a social worker from New York City, who experiences the pandemic's impact firsthand in the city.
304
Novel • Fiction
Maine • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
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