Relationship FIction Annotation - Olive Kitteridge

Authors: Elizabeth Strout

Genre: Science Fiction

Publication Date: March 25, 2008

Number of Pages: 270

Geographical Setting: Maine

Time Period: Modern day

Series: 1 of 2

Told via a series of short stories, Elizabeth Strout’s 2008 novel Olive Kitteridge follows the titular Olive, directly and indirectly, in the fictional town of Crosby, Maine over the course of over two decades. Olive is a brash woman, big and tall, and a former school teacher. In the small town of Crosby, she is entwined in the life of the townspeople, and the chapters dip into the lives of several families, all while weaving back to Olive. She is insensitive of others’, while others must walk on eggshells around her. But she’s also kind, in her own way, and - most importantly - she learns. 

Relationship Fiction Appeals

Tone: These stories are told with sympathy and care, even to characters who may not seem deserving of it at first. Some chapters of Olive’s live and the life of others in Crosby, Maine are funny, some are sad, but all of them are charmingly reflective.

Characterization: Olive and her community quickly become like old friends in this book. Strout is a master of conversational dialogue and the audiobook especially feels more like listening to your aunt talk than reading a book. These characters are flawed - often self-absorbed and nearly always cheating on their partners - but lovable, still. 

Frame/Setting: Set in a quaint coastal town in Maine, the book’s setting feels, much like it’s characters, already familiar to the reader. Because these chapters were originally separately published short stories, there is a bit of repetition of details, but that almost feels like a welcome reminder of the setting with each switch in perspective.

Storyline: With chapters oscillating between Olive and other townspeople, Olive Kitteridge is a story about being a better person, no matter where you have been. Although each chapter leaves you wanting more - with the last chapter being no exception - there’s a resolution at the end of each story that stresses the difference small actions can make.

3 Fiction Recommendations

Ann Patchett’s Commonwealth follows the a blended family over the course of fifty years. Patchett, like Strout, is a master of telling stories over decades, revealing little bits over time.

 

Another by Elizabeth Strout, Oh William! is actually the third book in another series but it can stand alone as a great recommendation if you liked Strout’s characters, dialogue, and exploration of familial relationships. 

 

Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead is a great alternative if you want a story that’s a little bit sadder but keeps the same overall small-town feel.

2 Nonfiction Recommendations

 

 Tara Westover’s memoir Educated looks back at Westover leaving her Mormon survivalist family to go to college, giving a real-life exploration of family dynamics and finding oneself. 

 

Jeannette Walls’s much-discussed The Glass Castle follows Walls from her tumultuous childhood until adulthood, learning to come to terms with her life, family, and past.

2 Nonbook Recommendations 

 

Little Miss Sunshine features an amazing cast (Steve Carrel, young Abigail Breslin, Toni Collette, among others) and follows a dysfunctional family taking a road trip so that their daughter can participate in a child beauty pageant. It’s charming, it’s heart-breaking, it’s a must-watch.

 

Folks either love or hate adaptations, but if you want a little more of Olive Kitteridge, check out  HBO miniseries of the same name, starring Frances McDormand as Olive, with Richard Jenkins and Bill Murray.