Book Review
I think Elizabeth Strout has to be one of my favourite authors, if not my favourite. I just love the style of her writing - it's as if you are reading her diary or letters personally addressed to you. The author manages to convey so much with so few words and keeps your imagination working. The protagonist in Lucy by the Sea is Lucy Barton and this is the fourth book in the series, and is set during the pandemic. I think it is an important book as it reflects a history that we all shared. The book is set in the USA but many of us can relate to Lucy's character during the lockdowns. Even though it is a relatively recent history, it seems light years away and it is interesting to look back and realise how far we have come with vaccines and getting on with our newly structured lives in the wake of the pandemic. Lucy isolates in Maine with her ex-husband, in an old house by the sea, that a friend rents them and is a world away from her bustling life in New York. At first she hates being away from the buzz but slowly melts into her new life at the quiet seaside place she now finds herself with with her ex-husband, who wanted to save her life by taking her there. They talk of air hugs and wearing masks when visiting their daughters, memories of the past and new friends made. They go for daily walks which we all took to help keep our sanity. I loved this book so much and urge you to read it. Elizabeth Strout is a genius writer.
The four Lucy Barton books in the series...
My Name is Lucy Barton
Anything is Possible
Oh William!
Lucy by the Sea