My Name is Lucy Barton

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of mental illness, emotional abuse, child abuse, and illness.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did the episodic, vignette-style structure of My Name is Lucy Barton affect your reading experience? How does this approach compare to other novels with non-linear structures, such as Beloved by Toni Morrison?

2. Strout’s sparse, understated prose style is a hallmark of her writing across novels like Olive Kitteridge and My Name is Lucy Barton. How effective did you find this stylistic choice in conveying Lucy’s emotional journey through trauma and healing?

3. What was your reaction to the complex portrayal of Lucy’s relationship with her mother during their five days together in the hospital? Were there moments in their reunion that particularly resonated with or surprised you?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Lucy finds solace in books and writing as an escape from her difficult childhood in Amgash. What creative outlets or forms of expression have you turned to during challenging times in your life?