In Olive, Again, author Elizabeth Strout gives her readers more of the churlish, judgmental and highly disliked Olive Kitteridge. As with the first book, the story is told through interwoven short stories. In this second book, Olive is featured prominently in most of the stories (whereas there were many stories in the first book in which she only had a cameo appearance).

Age and loneliness have softened Olive a little bit. While outwardly brutally honest and outspoken, readers have insight to Olive’s vulnerabilities through her inner dialogue. There were times I felt her sadness and regret deeply—especially as it related to her estranged son and grandchildren. Olive has moments of enlightenment, however, she believes a change will not beget the reward she desires at this point in her life.

“…she just sat I her chair and watched her birds at the feeder outside her window and thought that she was not unhappy.”

For all her claims of being blue collar and “salt-of-the-Earth”, Olive is, in fact, quite the snob. On one hand she claims to be an extreme liberal, and on the other hand she has no tolerance and is quite judgmental of anyone who she considers pedestrian or “wrong” (e.g., anyone who doesn’t share her views). The dichotomy of how misunderstood she feels and how disparaging she is of others makes Olive Kitteridge a conundrum. Do I empathize with her? Do I hold her in contempt? The answer is a little of both. As with most people, Olive has muddled through life the best she can. Sometimes she is curt and brusque, and at times she displays compassion (in a stoic, Mainer way). Her mistakes have cost her dearly in terms of a son who cannot forgive her for her imperfections. That painful penance is balanced by several encounters with former students who clearly were positively influenced by their high school math teacher.

A creatively told tale about human frailty and misgivings, about love, longing and regret, Olive, Again is a bit more melancholy and introspective than the first book. With the exception of the author’s inclusion of her political views, Olive Again would have been the perfect sequel to the story of the highly opinionated and bluntly honest Olive Kitteridge.

I had trouble getting into this book. I have not read the first book so this could be the reason. I could not follow the storyline as it skipped around a lot. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first book in the series.

I loved revisiting Olive Kitteridge in this book, a pre-pub edition. Elizabeth Strout's description of characters in Crosby, Maine is beautiful and honest, sad and humorous, making you appreciate humanity in all its layers, strange flaws and all.

Olive's back and she's crankier and more blunt than ever. Those who are familiar with the first novel know that Strout tells the story not only of Olive but also of Crosby, Maine by entwining seemingly disparate tales from different individuals, with Olive as a minor = only minor- character in most them. They also know that she will dip into the scene with a trenchant comment or observation that's so on point that you will stop and re-read it. Now, she's moving on in years and in her life, with a new relationship with Jack, who has his own issues. She might reflect on her relationship with her son but it's Olive, so... More interesting to me were the small moments with others. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. Strout fans will rejoice with this one and new readers will relish it. Know that you'll be fine with this as a standalone but it will mean more if you've read Olive Kitteridge.

Olive, Again is a sequel to Elizabeth Strout’s 2008 Pulitzer Prize winning Olive Kitteridge. This book covers the decade or so after the conclusion of the first book.

In the Olive tradition, this book is done as a series of engaging vignettes. Some are purely anecdotes from Olive’s life, others are about the small town residents of the mythical coastal town of Crosby, Maine. The stories show strengths and weaknesses, love and lust, and how relationships divide, sever, or reform.

I have greatly enjoyed both Olive Kitteridge and Olive, Again, but it’s hard for me to pinpoint exactly why. Yes, the writing is wonderful. The characters are just that. . .characters! The luscious Maine coastline is inviting. But there is something about these little individual stories that speaks to my heart. It’s rather like sitting with an old friend and sharing stories from your lives. I very much enjoyed this book and certainly do recommend it!

Olive Kittredge is sort of the female equivalent of Ove, the loveable curmudgeon of Fredrik Backman’s conjuring. Olive resists loveability but embraces her curmudgeonly side with fervor. She can be touchingly sympathetic and incredibly mean. Mostly she seems totally clueless about the manners and mores of the modern world. Fortunately for her she lives in Maine, which attracts oddballs and tourists in vast numbers. In Strout’s first book, Olive left us shaken but also stirred in a series of related stories. The sequel doesn’t go down as well, however, and Olive seems like a lobster roll that has turned or a house guest who has overstayed her welcome by, say, three weeks. I wish you well. Olive, but don’t.... repeat, don’t drop us a line for say, forever.

A powerful and moving novel, <i>Olive, Again</i> marks the return appearance of somewhat curmudgeonly, or perhaps simply and refreshingly blunt, Olive Kitteridge. Imbued with the flavors of small town Maine, author Elizabeth Strout beautifully presents a series of vignettes of life, especially family and aging, through the eyes of Olive and other characters in her world.

Two of the recurring themes in <i>Olive Again</i> particularly stood out for me. As a retired school teacher, Olive’s experiences in crossing paths with former students had special meaning. Likewise, observing the day to day changes brought on by aging, as well as those of broader significance, were especially touching in light of my own experiences with parental care giving and anticipating what lies ahead in my near future.

Speaking of Strout, her writing alone is reason enough to put this book on your TBR list – right after the first, <i>Olive Kitteridge</i> if you haven’t already done so.


FYI - I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful extension of the small-town universe that Strout created in Olive Kitteridge. The stories that focus primarily on Olive are the strongest; she offers up such a unique, unfiltered point of view yet readers are privy to her complex inner thoughts that help paint her as a fascinatingly flawed individual. I found her musings on the complicated topics of aging and family to be incredibly interesting, and it warmed my heart that she makes a true friend by the end of the book. The stories centered on other characters featuring Olive in more of a cameo role are hit or miss with a handful more memorable than the others, but none are outright duds and help to further enrich this world.

How nice it was to spend time with Olive Kitteridge once again! These stories are a bit sad as they delve into the aging process for the most part, but Ms Strout also examines some of our human foibles and kinks--what makes this crazy world go round. Maybe love and forgiveness can redeem us.

Elizabeth Strout is an amazing writer.

I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity.

4.5 well deserved stars
Oh Olive, Olive… you’ve gotta love Olive. I was so happy to visit with her again. When I first read Olive Kitteridge I pictured her like a 60-ish Kathy Bates. I like to put a face to my characters. Olive is so brutally honest, and outspoken. Tact is not one of her good traits. She's not always subtle but believable, and has a bigger heart than she realizes. Yep, Kathy Bates… she’ll tell you just what she thinks, like it or not, and lives life on her own terms. I have a friend that was very much like her. Sadly, today we said goodbye to my friend at her gravesite. Thankfully we don’t have to do that with Olive yet, but now in “Again” her story continues and we bear witness to how she handles her 70’s and 80s as these "golden years" are circling down the drain.

We are transported back to her home town of Crosby, Maine. Having lost her husband Henry a couple of years prior, she remarries a good friend, Jack, although everyone still calls her Mrs. Kitteridge. Jack & Olive relate well most of the time, but having married late in life they are also settled in their own ways, bringing about challenges for both of them. In Strout’s inimitable style, consisting of witty dialogue and real emotion, she endears us to both Olive and Jack, and to several inhabitants of Crosby, Maine. Their short stories are intertwined here and merge effortlessly with Olive's own. Their characters are fully fleshed out making it easy to connect with each one, and making this character driven novel a joy to unfold.

Olive’s relationship with her only son Christopher who lives in New York has always been tenuous, even abrasive at times, although they’ve obviously loved each other. Even more tenuous is the relationship with his wife and the children. I had to chuckle when they came to visit Olive and she had to deal with these “horrible children with no manners” as many children are today, and her apprehension about her place in setting boundaries.

This is a mature Olive still searching for answers about herself struggling with relationships. Aging brings challenges she didn’t quite anticipate, but over time found a way to make them work, eventually bringing her around to a form of acceptance. “It is what it is”… Her colorful language gives us many chuckles and helps us all accept that we are going down the same crooked road. Do we turn this way or that? Easily relatable and brilliantly executed, I think I enjoyed this even more than the first novel.

Kudos to Author Strout, who knows her way around the written word. She is on tour promoting this work and if you can work it in, go meet her and attend her book signings. If not, purchase your copy of this amazing work on October 15th at your favorite retailer.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Ms. Strout and Random House for my complimentary eArc. I am happy to review and heartily recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is a sequel to “Olive Kitteridge.” I liked “Olive Kitteridge” but loved “Olive, Again”. Olive is still her “quirky,” hard to like personality. At times, it felt she seems cold and heartless. Her relationships with her new husband, son, grandchildren, prior students, many friends and acquaintances are often stiff and awkward. Olive has grown up and traits of her personality remain the same. I love her OCD tendencies and her caring ways. By the end of the book, my heart soars for Olive.

I thought the original was better. This was interesting and a quick read, but Olive was not the same spunky, speak your mind, wise women.

Olive... I just LOVE her!! She is the same Olive, frank..poking around in the lives of her fellow townsfolk of Crosby, Maine.
There was a lot of humor in her interactions (seriously funny, laugh out loud funny) but there was a lot of sadness in these stories too, as it deals with aging and loneliness.
You should definitely read this! Loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for this ARC!

Oh how good it is to spend time with Olive Kitteridge again! I didn't realize how much I have missed her until I opened the pages of this book.

Olive is still living in Crosby, Maine. She is aging, though not gracefully. But then, she was not graceful at any age - brusque, stodgy, no-nonsense and opinionated, Olive doesn't fit in and she doesn't care. I find her honesty quite refreshing! She is very reflective in this book, examining and questioning herself and the choices she has made.

Strout's keen, insightful observations on the struggles of being human, and her vivid descriptions make it easy to become engaged with and immersed in this book. The characters are so deeply dimensional that it is easy to fall under Strout's spell. Everyone has a story, and the wide range of characters and situations they find themselves in, made the pages fly. I loved this book, and highly recommend it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Olive, Again presents thirteen interconnected stories (with Olive providing the common link) in which we glimpse the different elements that shape the various characters, as well as Olive’s place in their lives. Different relationships are examined: parent and child; husband and wife; in-laws; neighbors; and friendship and animosity. Spanning approximately a decade, the narrative progresses as Olive contemplates her life and her relationship with her two husbands and with her son. Olive often irritates others with her opinionated views; frequently frustrates them with her stubbornness; and occasionally amazes them with the depth of her understanding. Quite a few of the characters first appeared in Olive Kitteridge, some just tangentially and some with more relevant roles. While it is not necessary to have read that novel first, it does make it more engaging to see the residents of Crosby, Maine in a different light.

Elizbeth Strout’s excellent character development makes all the portrayals in this novel very real and very believable. Well worth reading!

Olive Kitteridge is an unforgettable character and fortunately Elizabeth Strout brings her to life once again. Olive is at the core of this novel, but Olive, Again is full of amazing characters. Although Strout's plots seem wacky they resonate with the reader. Olive exemplifies kindness and freedom. She is not afraid to speak her mind nor does she shy away from tough situations. Olive, Again is a masterpiece and should be read many times.

I love Olive Kittridge, she is her own woman even if sometimes she finds herself a bit outspoken LOL. She makes us all take a look at our own senior years and just what they might be like. Thank you for such a great book!

Strout is back at it again with the community of Crosby, Maine, centering around Olive Kitteridge. Very similar tone to the previous book, but following Olive in widowhood, and her geriatric life. This book gave me a lot of feelings, especially sadness and hope. Sadness, because of the pain and loneliness that elderly and widows can experience. Hope, because even in her 80’s, Olive was growing.
There are a couple triggering moments of the sexual nature. I had to skip over most of one chapter due to the triggering nature of it.

Speaking of their choice for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, judges explained that Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge “packs a cumulative emotional wallop, bound together by polished prose and by Olive, the title character, blunted, flawed, and fascinating.” Those who loved or are still haunted by Strout’s complex Olive will not want to miss her continued story in Olive, Again.

In a July 29 New Yorker article, Strout insists she had not planned to return to Olive but that Olive returned to Strout one weekend as the author sat alone in a European café: “That’s all I can say. She showed up with a force, the way she did the very first time, and I could not ignore her. . . . I saw it so clearly—felt her so clearly—that I thought, Well, I should just go with this.”

Strout takes us back to small town Crosby, Maine, where everyone seems to know everyone else, yet does not know them at all. Like Olive Kitteridge, Olive Again peals away the surface layers of life, which often are all we see, to reveal the vulnerabilities, the fears, the secrets, and what some people view as the freakish or detestable abnormalities. We see into the lives of husbands and wives, parents and children, those who are alone, lonely in the middle of a crowd, or fortunate enough to find love or friendship. Now and then, Strout forces us to confront our own prejudices, to accept many forms of human behavior as just that—human behavior, and to find the humanity in those we might initially avoid or even detest.

For those of us who have read Olive Kitteridge, Strout renews our acquaintance not only with Olive, but also with husband Henry, son Christopher, and several townsfolk, including Jack Kennison, introduced in the first Olive book’s final story. She also helps us get to know new people such as Olive’s grandchildren, Dr. Rabolinski, Big Betty, Halima Butterfly, and Mousy Pants.

Asked in the New Yorker if she might someday write a prequel focusing on the young Olive, Strout denied intending to do so. “But how do I know?” Strout added; “She showed up before—twice—and theoretically she could, God forbid, show up again.”

I would welcome the chance to become better acquainted with one of the most unforgettable characters in modern America literature.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for providing an Advance Reader Copy of Olive, Again.

Short stories that stream along together, sometimes so humorous and other times so sad, Olive, on the other hand; cantankerous, sour, rude downright horrible at times, although could be, at times, to have compassion, adoration and caring with a bit of sass. You can't help but continue to love her and follow her life!  She has quite the way of being "in your business" and it could be good or bad, but never without her quick wit! Thank you #NetGalley #Olive,Again #RandomHouse