Olive Kitteridge

by Elizabeth Strout
Olive Kitteridge cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 698
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9781400062089
  • Publisher: Random House Incorporated
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Formats: 23
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Olive Kitteridge is a retired schoolteacher living in the small coastal town of Crosby, Maine. Known for her bluntness and sharp tongue, Olive often struggles to understand the changes happening around her, both in her town and within her own family. Through a series of interconnected stories, the novel explores the lives of Olive and the people she encounters, each grappling with their own joys, sorrows, and personal transformations. /n/nThe book is a deep dive into human nature, showcasing the author's ability to capture the essence of small-town life and the intricate relationships that define it. Olive's character serves as the anchor, her presence weaving together the various narratives into a cohesive and poignant exploration of love, loss, and resilience.

Reviews
Whispering Gums · 2025-06-29
insightful 4.00

The character of Olive Kitteridge is portrayed as both tough and empathetic, showcasing a complex personality. The writing effectively captures her multifaceted nature through a series of insightful stories.

In this review, the writer highlights Olive Kitteridge's dual nature, describing her as someone who can be abrasive yet deeply empathetic. They appreciate how the author, Elizabeth Strout, uses a series of interconnected short stories to explore Olive's character in a nuanced way. The reviewer finds the portrayal of Olive's complexity and the emotional depth of the stories to be particularly compelling. They also note that the writing style is engaging and effectively conveys the essence of Olive's personality and the small-town life she inhabits.

Quick quotes

    So, what we have is a character who can be tough and acerbic – even engage in a little schadenfreude – but also be sensitive and empathetic.

    Each story offers a glimpse into Olive's life, revealing her flaws and virtues in equal measure.

    The writing is so precise and economical that it feels like a masterclass in character study.

Book Thoughts from Bed · 2020-07-18
profound 4.50

The novel is praised for its deep exploration of human emotions and the complexities of ordinary people. The interconnected short stories create a rich tapestry of life in a small town.

This reviewer appreciates the way Elizabeth Strout uses a series of short stories to weave a comprehensive narrative about Olive Kitteridge and the people around her. They find the novel to be a profound exploration of human emotions, highlighting both the tragedies and joys of life. The reviewer also notes that the interconnected nature of the stories creates a cohesive and engaging portrait of small-town life. They particularly enjoy how the characters' lives intertwine and how the author captures the essence of human relationships.

Quick quotes

    Olive Kitteridge is a Pulitzer Prize winner that tells the story of an aging retired school teacher through a series of short stories.

    The novel offers profound insights into the human condition – its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it takes to live through them.

    Each story is a gem, contributing to a larger, more complex understanding of the characters and their lives.

Books on the 747 · 2018-01-27
captivating 4.00

The novel is described as a wonderful snapshot of human life and emotions. The complex nature of seemingly ordinary people is beautifully captured.

This reviewer finds Olive Kitteridge to be a captivating exploration of human life and emotions. They appreciate how the author delves into the complexities of seemingly ordinary people, revealing the depth and richness of their experiences. The reviewer also notes that the novel's structure, consisting of interconnected short stories, allows for a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the characters and their relationships. They particularly enjoy the emotional depth and the way the stories intertwine to create a cohesive narrative.

Quick quotes

    Overall, Olive Kitteridge is a wonderful snapshot of human life, emotions and the complex nature of seemingly ordinary people.

    The interconnected stories create a rich tapestry of life in a small town, revealing the intricacies of human relationships.

    The emotional depth and complexity of the characters make this novel a standout.

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