This is another novel about the character, Lucy Barton but this time she lives in Maine with her ex-husband, William. The story, though is about her deepening friendship with local lawyer, Bob Burgess who becomes involved in a murder case. Indeed, Strout does warn you that the story is all about Bob. For those of you who are Strout fans, Olive Kitteridge makes an appearance befriending Lucy at her retirement home where they swap yarns.
This is a story about relationships and a town of Maine, which Strout describes vividly throughout the seasons of the novel. The relationships Bob has is many and the reader voyeuristically observes his feelings and thoughts about Lucy, his wife, his brother and the man he is defending.
The reader can’t help but be embroiled in the stories exchanged between Lucy and Olive about the people they know whether they add any real value to the novel or not. We tut and judge alongside them as we might with our own friends and neighbours. Yes, we do it. You know we do.
Sometimes though, these stories failed to hold my interest enough, perhaps I was after more drama which I got as the murder investigation twisted into another not entirely unpredictable direction.
The resolution of Bob and Lucy’s relationship was a little pedestrian and I can’t say I liked either of them too much.
It’s a well written novel shining a light on the everyday and the unusual and was an okay read.
S.C. Karakaltsas 
What a nice pic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great cover
LikeLike
I enjoyed this more than you, but it wasn’t the strongest of her books. 💖📚
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I liked Oh William more but I understand there is a book in between. Perhaps if I’d read that one I might have liked it more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have read all of them, and this is probably the one I liked least. 💖📚
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good to know. I’ll try out some others
LikeLiked by 1 person
I look forward to each book from this author so I can enjoy hearing from and about the characters she continues to share with us. My take on this book can be found here. You can read my take on her other books at that website as well.
Thanks for all of your reviews. I look forward to them too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I enjoyed your take too although the like button wouldn’t respond.
LikeLike