I wasn’t aware that “Olive, Again” was a sequel until I came to write this review – I thought the “, Again” was because Olive Kitteridge appears in each chapter of this connected collection of short-stories, sometimes the focus, other times just passing through. I didn’t feel I’d missed anything by not reading the first book, this sequel is perfect standalone.
Elizabeth Strout comes from the Anne Tyler school of writing – small town America, every day characters, and perfect observations of their habits and foibles. This book is marvellously understated. The writing is basic, no frills, but says just what it needs to say – and like Anne Tyler, what isn’t said is equally as important.
Wonderful, charming, highly recommended.
Book supplied by Netgalley for an honest review.
See review on Goodreads.