I will read anything Elizabeth Strout writes. With Oh, William, Strout highlights the layers and complexities of a relationship. The most beautiful writing, as always.

Outstanding book on its own right but also an excellent addition to the Lucy Burton series. Elizabeth Strout has done it again, she is able to renew what a novel is by adapting the form to the needs of the story.

Oh Elizabeth! Aren’t we lucky to live in times where someone like Elizabeth Strout can write a meaningful story about a divorced couple who have remained friends throughout their lives and subsequent marriages? Oh William! is told by the character, Lucy Barton, who, in her later years and after the loss of her second husband, reflects on her desire to be “seen” to be someone people notice? It is striking that her relationship to her ex (and father of her two daughters) continues to impact her sense of self. Lucy is an accomplished writer, but she has lingering self-doubt that holds onto her soul. In telling the story of Lucy, William, and Catherine (her deceased mother-in-law), we come to see that everyone in life essentially wants the same thing. Some people are just better at expressing their needs and covering their doubts. Discovering the commonality we all have in life reminds me of the game “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” where we search our relationships to find a connection to each other. Lucy is often told that she comes from nothing but then finds out that everyone comes from nothing…she a person who allows it to define her even after a successful writing career. I have often said that I admire an author who can write a rich and beautiful novel using a modest number of words. This is one such book. Our past defines us, and our current life is a mystery while our future is unknown; we need to understand this, accept this, and live our best life. Bravo to Elizabeth Strout on another profoundly moving story.

I've long been a fan of Elizabeth Strout's writing and this one did not disappoint. It was probably my least favorite of the trilogy, however. I found myself longing for more plot but also engrossed by her language choices. A solid 4 stars that could have been 5.

Oh William is the third book in the Elizabeth Strout's Amgash series. I enjoyed Oh William. I have read the first two books in the series but they were not favorites of mine. I do not even remember reading Anything is Possible and I gave the previous books three stars on Goodreads. This third book has nothing to do with Amgash, IL.

Oh William did continue on from My Name is Lucy Barton with an older Lucy. This book takes place mainly in NYC. Oh William continues her relationship with her ex husband and the story about her adult daughters she had with William. Even though they are divorced, Lucy is drawn into William's life through their daughters. William is on his third failed marriage so not sure why she is so drawn to him when clearly he has relationship issues. William and Lucy work through some family secretes and family issues with their daughters some of which are heart breaking.

I may have enjoyed this book more since I am going through a divorce after 30 years of marriage. I believe we will get along after we go our own ways so it was nice to see someone else make friendship work. I would like to thank #NetGalley for an advance copy of #OhWilliam by #ElizabethStroud.

I have not read this author before. I really liked reading about Lucy and William and their family history. I am going to try another one of her books and see how I like that. If you like this authors type of writing. I would say that it is a good read.

I have to admit that I’m a little late to the party; I’ve never read any of Pulitzer Prize winner’s Elizabeth Strout. And I’m a little late by reading Book 3 in a series, but that doesn’t matter. I didn’t feel list or confused by reading this novel. Strout did an amazing job in filling in the blanks for new readers.

I knew that Strout had written a book about the protagonist, Lucy Barton, but I didn’t know anything abou it. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying this slim volume that packs a punch.

In this novel, Lucy is now in her sixties. There are two narratives happening simultaneously. First is Lucy’s trip dowm memory lane, ruminating on her life, her career, her daughters and escpecially her childhood. Her husband, David, has died, but she remains in close contact with her daughters’ father, her first husband, William. They still call each other by the pet names they used from their marriage.

William is married, happily I’m not so sure, with a daughter is approximately ten years old. HE is turning seventy, and seems lost in the world. When he stumbles on life-changing family secret, he seems to feel even more lost. I get the idea that William has always been a rather sad person, and this secret only exacerbates those feelings.

When William invites, pleads is more like it, for Lucy to accompany him on a fact-finding mission to unlock the long-ago.

The story is told in caveats so readers can see both sides of the situation. However, what I didn’t like about the novel is the overuse of some statements. For example, she may say “This is what I meant…” or “This is what I meant to say…” several times in the same paragraph. That style would interrupt the story’s tension for me. Therefore, “Oh, William” receives 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

While the book seems scattered, it comes together beautifully. Enjoyed it very much.

Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

I honestly love everything Elizabeth Strout writes. She has a way of getting at life's truths with simplicity. Her mastery of the telling details is beyond. As with previous books, there won't be enough plot for some readers' taste. I get it. But Strout unveils interpersonal relationships with mastery.

Here, the focus is Lucy's relationship with her former husband, William. This book builds upon two prior books, and now I want to reread them both.

If you like Strout, you will not be disappointed. She continues to tell quiet stories that illuminate the challenges and rewards of family dynamics.

This was the first novel I have read by Elizabeth Strout and it certainly won't be the last! Lucy Barton is one of the most life-like characters I have ever read. Her voice is incredibly distinct - it really felt like she was the author, the one telling the story. I didn't realize this was the third book in the Amgash series until I was about half-way through, and while I now want to go back and read the others, I think this book works wonderfully as a stand alone novel. I was entranced by Lucy and William's relationship all the same. Strout paints a wonderful portrait of human relationships. Highly recommend.

A worthy addition to the Lucy Barton chronicles. We learn more about Lucy as we investigate her interactions with her husbands and mother in law. Lucy’s complex personality becomes clearer as we read the book.

With great appreciation to Random House and NetGalley I offer this honest review in exchange for the chance to read and review Oh William by Elizabeth Strout. This novel returns the reader to the world and thoughts of Lucy Barton (I am Lucy Barton, Anything is Possible) and brings Lucy back into exploration of her ongoing connection with her first husband William. This book is a wonderful exploration of a complex woman and her relationship with William but also a celebration of women at midlife; I treasure books that are character driven and filled with realistic moments, thoughts, and relationships and these books are all the better when they involve women who are not just starting out in life or in motherhood but are instead grounded in both their past, present, and perhaps even their future roles and hopes. The story unfolds to focus on how Lucy connects with William as he explores a previously unknown family relationship and Lucy's voice is strong in her observations of William, their relationships, and their lives. I love the nuance in the writing yet also the accessible, clear writing style.

A celebration of the human condition as many reviews will note and master at writing with an easy joy and keen insights into the minds of everyday people, Ms. Strout's new novel is to be appreciated for the love she has for her characters and their lives and the respect she shows readers like myself who love to return to cherished characters, to see how they change and grow and simply to continue to be a part of their lives.

The book reads as a memoir. Lucy is telling William, her ex husband’s story. The part that bothered me was Lucy would make a reference such as I wrote about this before so I’m not going to discuss. This is my first book by the author, I think there should be a reference to read the previous books about Lucy prior to reading this one. For a newbie, this can read as a standalone but it would make more sense if read in order. I don’t think this type of writing is for me.

Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout is a quirky little story about marriage and the friendship that sometimes comes after the marriage ends. William and Lucy were married and had two wonderful daughters. But that wasn't enough for them and the marriage ended. But it's what happened that the other didn't know that probably ruined them.
You follow Lucy and William through their childhood and then into each others adulthood and finds out what made them the people that they are. I thoroughly loved the friendship that William and Lucy had developed over the years. Everyone needs a William and Lucy in there life.
Elizabeth Strout writes a different kind of book here. Not the traditional chapters and such. This is written more as a conversation between two friends. I loved it!! I will be looking for her others works and will be recommending this to others! Special thanks to NetGalley, Elizabeth Strout, and Random House Publishing Group for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 5 Stars for me!
#OhWilliam #NetGalley

Oh William! is the continuation of the story of Lucy Barton. Lucy is now 63 and a successful author. She is recently widowed “My husband’s name was David Abramson and he was—oh, how can I tell you what he was? He was him! We were—we really were—kind of made for each other, except that seems a terrifically trite thing to say but— Oh, I cannot say any more right now.” Prior to David, she was married to William, the father of her 2 girls, whom she had divorced after 20 years of marriage. She and he have maintained a friendly, supportive relationship.

William’s current wife has left him. He is still mourning his mother’s death and has recently learned that his mother had a daughter whom she had abandoned. William is particularly disturbed that she had never mentioned that girl to him. “Grief is such a—oh, it is such a solitary thing; this is the terror of it, I think.” William asks Lucy to join him on a trip to Maine to look into his mother’s past. This is where much of their reminiscing takes place and we learn about their marriage, William and William’s mother.

Lucy is writing (talking) in the present tense, her writing style is very casual. At times she is remembering, reflecting, but the story is linear. She is sharing not only her memories but her insecurities “. . . how did they all know what to do? I feel invisible—as I have said—and yet in that situation I had the strangest sensation of both being invisible and yet having a spotlight on my head that said: This young woman knows nothing.” Lucy’s story occasionally makes her seem a bit amateurish, someone who is embarrassed by her own naiveté. At times It felt like I was reading another persons letters or diary entries, at others it felt like a road trip down memory lane.

Strout’s writing is insightful, profound and heartfelt, it offers an open and honest look at the human condition. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ In this story you will discover people who appear in other books by Strout, including: My Name is Lucy Barton. Anything is Possible and The Burgess Boys. You do not have to have read one to enjoy the other. Strout does an excellent job filling in any necessary background information.

Publication date: October 19, 2021. Thank you to #NetGalley #RandomHousePublishing for this advanced copy in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

For more book reviews and recommendations follow me at #EmptyNestReader #instagram #facebook #Goodreads #OhWilliam #ElizabethStrout #fiction #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #ARC #bookrecommendations #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #ebooks

Great continuation of Lucy Barton story. Reflection on life as people get older. Friendships that continue even if a marriage does not. Well written. A compelling read.

Elizabeth Strout is one of my favorite authors. In this book she revisits Lucy Barton and her relationship with her ex-husband, William. William has been married twice since they have divorced but William and Lucy remain friends/family.
Light on plot but heavy on exploration of relationships, family, and identity. A genetic test reveals that William has a relative he didn’t know about. Lucy joins William on a trip to meet this person where he finds out more about himself and his history. Lucy reflects on her own upbringing, the person she was when married to William, and the person she is now. Interestingly, she is a well-known and respected author who seems to be surprised whenever someone recognizes her.
Like Olive Kitteridge, arguably one of the greatest characters ever written, William and Lucy are flawed people. I find it intriguing that these characters continue to return in the author’s work and thank her for presenting them to us so eloquently.
Thanks NetGalley and Random House for the arc of this book. Publication date 10-19-21. See my review on Goodreads, StoryGraph (@bookworm_gg), Instagram (@bookworm_gg)

Easy going novel about a woman and her ex-husband and their life. I really enjoy the way Elizabeth Strout writes, it's very factual and real about how people are in the world. I did not enjoy this as much as her "Olive Kitteridge" series, but it was still enjoyable.

This was just okay for me . She’s a wonderful writer with a gift for creating flawed characters. I just find it didn’t hold my interest. I need more of a fast paced plot but she is a master wro.

If you are already invested in the characters from previous books, then Oh William! will be satisfying and interesting and offer some closure. If this is your introduction to Lucy Barton, you'll find lots of good life lessons and some truthful introspection, but may find the writing getting a little tedious. The "Oh William!" and "what I mean is..." gets to be a little grating, but also lends to the authenticity of the characters and I realized that I have thought this way about every Strout book and her unlikeable but somehow still relateable characters. It feels a tiny bit old fashioned, but also very real. What I mean is, this book, like every other Strout book I have read, offers some amazing, insightful observations about life and the human condition and relationships and trauma but you have to put up with some irritating conventions to get there.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.