Oh, how I loved this book! It is Strout's third venture into the word of Lucy Barton. Beginning with My Name is Lucy Barton, Strout moved on to Anything is Possible, a book of short stories featuring characters introduced in the first book, plus more about Lucy. This new novel, set decades later, is about Lucy's first husband William, their relationship, and Lucy's reflections on life itself.
Elizabeth Strout has long been one of my favorite authors and, with each novel she writes, I am reminded of all the reasons why. I am struck time and again by her insights into the human condition. Oh William! is a quiet, character-driven novel filled with simple but profound statements about life and what it means to be human.
This was a read/listen combination for me. Once again, my library came through with both the ebook and audiobook at the same time. The audio is brilliantly performed by Kimberly Farr and is 7 hours long. (I listened at a slightly faster speed.)
The novel could work as a stand-alone, but I think the experience is richer if you already know and understand Lucy. I didn't remember much about William from previous books, but that didn't seem to matter. I got to know him well here.
My daughter recently attended an in-person literary event with Elizabeth Strout in NYC. She told the fully-vaccinated, masked crowd that she has her next two novels planned. The first is even nearing completion, but she gave no hints as to the subject matter. I think this is wonderful news and am already looking forward to another Strout novel.
She is a rarity for me, a "buy on day of publication" author. I have this on deck to read as soon as I finish the latest Louise Erdrich, which so far is absolutely wonderful. Some real gems came out this year.
ReplyDeleteAmy - The new Louise Erdrich is on my list, too... as is the Lauren Groff, Amor Towles, and more. So many wonderful books this year.
DeleteGlad you loved this one - me too. I am so happy she has other books on the works.
ReplyDeleteDiane - I was thrilled to hear that, too. It sounds like the next one is nearly done... can't wait!
DeleteI loved it, too!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I've loved everything she's written.
DeleteI am hearing such good things about this book, but haven't read the first 2 in the series (I did read the Olive Kitridge books)
ReplyDeleteHelen - It's really wonderful, but I think you'll appreciate it more if you know Lucy's history.
DeleteI'm glad you mention that this could work as a standalone since I haven't read the second book and I didn't love the first. ;) You also say, "Oh William! is a quiet, character-driven novel filled with simple but profound statements about life and what it means to be human." Coincidentally, that's how I felt about Stewart O'Nan's novel, Henry Himself.
ReplyDeleteLes - I actually read the first book twice and absolutely loved the second. You could read this since you already "know" Lucy, but it's still a wonderful story even if you don't.
DeleteI just learned that Stewart O'Nan has a new novel coming out in the spring.... which reminded me that I *still* haven't read Henry Himself.
That's exciting your daughter was able to attend that event. I would love to see one of my favorite authors speak. Oh, William! is in line for me at the library.
ReplyDeleteTina - She's so happy to be going to events again, especially with all the safety protocols in place. Hope you enjoy Oh William!
DeleteWow Strout has her next books already planned?! Excellent, I wonder if they will be new characters or old. I'm pleased to hear you loved this one. I look forward to it. Kimberly Farr has narrated her books in the past right? I think she did the last Olive one. She's good! Strout would be amazing to hear in person.
ReplyDeleteSusan - Isn't that great news!? I was thrilled to hear she's hard at work on her next two novels. Yes, Kimberly Farr has narrated the previous Lucy books, as well as both Olives... love her work. I had a chance to see Elizabeth Strout in Syracuse several years ago - she is just great in person! I hadn't realized prior to that evening that she graduated from SU's law school and even worked at a local department store during her time there. Would love to hear her again one day.
DeleteVicki - So glad you loved it, too. She is such a talented writer!
ReplyDeleteHappy to see that you loved this one as much as I did. Strout is one of my go-to authors now, and I can't wait to see what the next two books will be like. I've only seen her in person one time, and I was immensely impressed with her demeanor and patience (she did not have the best moderator in the world that day). Her work is just brilliant.
ReplyDeleteSam - I completely agree and am so happy she has two more books in the works! Close to a decade ago I had the pleasure of hearing her speak in Syracuse... she went to law school there and worked at a downtown department store during that time. The crowd loved her local anecdotes, as well as her reading and discussion of her novels/writing process. She is so talented!
DeleteI have this out from the library now. Since I haven't read Anything is Possible, I may return it. I knew it was connected to Lucy Barton (which I didn't like as much as her other novels) but I think I'd like to read them in order. Very excited to hear about the next two books!
ReplyDeleteMelissa - Oh William! can work alone, but I do think you'll appreciate more if you're up to speed with Lucy. It took me a while to warm up to Lucy, but I've loved all of Strout's work.
DeleteI held this one in my hands, but Nonfiction November is driving my reading this month, and I had to return it before I began it. I will request it again. I feel quite certain I will like it as much as you.
ReplyDeleteDeb - I know you will love this book, too... whenever you get to it!
DeleteSo glad that Elizabeth Strout is continuing to deliver for you! It's a real joy to find an author that resonates and especially one who is planning future great reads for you.
ReplyDeleteJane GS - Strout is an author I can always count on to deliver a book I'll love!
DeleteI’ve been very curious about this book, so was happy to read your review. I will definitely start with her earlier books. I haven’t read anything by her, but now I’m intrigued and look forward to getting to know her work.
ReplyDeleteRobin - If you've never read Strout, I'd recommend starting with Olive Kitteridge. I just love her work!
DeleteLove it so much.
ReplyDeleteR's Rue - I've loved all of her books! Have you read any of her others?
DeleteGreat review! I didn't love Lucy Barton but I do want to read this one. Olive Kitteridge still being my favorite Strout book.
ReplyDeleteIliana - I think My Name is Lucy Barton was actually my least favorite of Strout's novels, but when I read it a second time (just before Anything is Possible came out)it seemed SO much better...
DeleteAll I needed to see was 'oh how I loved this book' to add it to my summer holiday reading list. We have 2 whole weeks of (hopefully*) sunshine and reading and walking along the beach coming our way.
ReplyDelete*I say hopefully as La Nina is in full swing here right now, drowning us in spring rains.
Brona - Enjoy your holiday and I hope La Nina goes easy on you. Elizabeth Strout is such a talent!
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