46 pages • 1 hour read
Oh, William
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout, 63-year-old, widowed writer Lucy Barton assists her ex-husband William Gerhardt as he grapples with his third wife leaving him and discovers a half-sister he never knew about. They travel to Maine to meet her, prompting Lucy to reflect on her past, her relationship with William, and their shared history.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
105,941 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Oh, William by Elizabeth Strout is lauded for its profound exploration of human relationships and emotional depth, appreciating nuanced character development and evocative prose. Critics note, however, that some readers may find its introspective pace slow. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its sincere and poignant storytelling.
Who Should Read Oh, William?
A reader who enjoys Oh, William by Elizabeth Strout would likely appreciate character-driven narratives and nuanced examinations of relationships. Fans of Ann Patchett’s Commonwealth or Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead would find similar appeal in Strout’s exploration of complex emotional landscapes and personal histories.
105,941 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
William Gerhardt
William Gerhardt
Lucy’s 71-year-old ex-husband who embarks on a journey with Lucy to explore his family history, revealing his struggles with past insecurities and relationships.
Lois Bubar
Lois Bubar
William’s 73-year-old half-sister, who is connected to the Maine community where Lucy and William visit, offering a different perspective on family history and identity.
Catherine Cole
Catherine Cole
William’s mother, whose life choices and mysterious past influence the events in William and Lucy’s journey, shedding light on family secrets and motivations.
Wilhelm Gerhardt
Wilhelm Gerhardt
William’s father, a former prisoner of war whose past actions and heritage play a significant role in shaping family dynamics and William’s internal struggles.
Estelle
Estelle
William’s third wife, an actress much younger than him, who contributes to the unfolding of the story through her actions and relationship with William.
256
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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