Play Book Tag discussion

Most of this book takes place in a hospital room. When Lucy Barton suffers complications following gall bladder surgery, that leads to a lengthy hospitalization and an extended visit from her estranged mother, who seems to never leave the room or even to sleep. There's good reason Lucy is estranged from her family, namely a miserable childhood lived in poverty and neglect.

Lucy's story is told as she and her mother talk about everyday life, past and present. I think just about everyone could find something in common with Lucy's story. Some could find a lot in common, as I did. I almost felt like the author was speaking for me many times and that's one reason I loved the book, even if I did find Lucy to be irrationally forgiving.

I also love Strout's writing style. It's simple, straight forward, not a word wasted, and packs a powerful punch for such a brief novel. It's likely to linger in my memory for a long while. Strout's Olive Kitteridge is among my favorites, but Lucy's story has surpassed Olive's for me.

I can't wait to read this!

Susie wrote: "I can't wait to read this!"

Hope you enjoy it, Susie. Can't wait to read your review.

I'm still on hold for this one. Looking forward to reading it!

Loved it

I think you'll love it too, Ellen. We seem to often give the same rating when we read the same book, Linda.

Margarette wrote: "I think you'll love it too, Ellen. We seem to often give the same rating when we read the same book, Linda."

Yes we do.

This looks like a book I want to read. Thanks for the review.

Glad you liked this as much as I did!!