57 pages • 1 hour read
Olive Kitteridge
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Maine • Late 20th Century
2008
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout is an unconventional novel interlinking 13 tales about the people of Crosby, Maine, with the unifying element of titular character Olive Kitteridge, exploring her life, relationships, and how she fits into her community. Themes include love, loss, and the struggles of ordinary life. The book contains discussions of suicide, alcohol use disorder, and eating disorders, and references to self-harm.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
274,126 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge is praised for its rich, complex portrayal of a small-town teacher navigating life’s trials. The compelling character study and nuanced storytelling resonate deeply. However, some readers find the protagonist unlikable and the plot slow. Overall, Strout's vivid prose and emotional depth make it a memorable read.
Who Should Read Olive Kitteridge ?
Readers who enjoy deeply nuanced character studies and New England settings in their fiction will appreciate Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge. Similar works include Annie Proulx's The Shipping News and Marilynne Robinson's Gilead, which also blend introspective storytelling with rich, evocative locales.
274,126 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
336
Novel • Fiction
Maine • Late 20th Century
2008
Adult
18+ years
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