Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of 13 short stories, connected by the presence of an unforgettable character—the eponymous Olive. I find some stories ("Security," "Basket of Trips") truly outstanding, some just good, but overall this collection (I would not hesitate to call it a novel) had a powerful impact on me—I hope that my first book by Elizabeth Strout will not be the last.

The author writes about deeply human experiences, capturing the overwhelming sadness of existence while also conveying our 'greediness for life.' Despite the pain of crushed hopes, despite paralyzing loneliness, despite disappointment with people we love and need the most, despite painful realizations of 'what might have been,' we keep going, we keep clinging to life, we dare to hope for the future, and we keep searching for rare moments of happiness.

The edition of the book that I read contains two additional items written by the author: "A Reader's Guide" as well as a list of discussion items for book clubs. I have not read these. To me, a work of literary art should stand on its own. Ms. Strout conveyed her message clearly and skillfully in the book, and we should not need hints on how to read it.

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