Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Lucy by the Sea
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
65 posts | 62 read | 36 to read
From Pulitzer Prizewinning, #1 New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Strout comes a poignant, pitch perfect novel about a former couple in lockdown togetherand the love, loss, despair, and hope that animate us even as the world seems to be falling apart. With her trademark spare, crystalline prosea voice infused with intimate, fragile, desperate humanness (The Washington Post)Elizabeth Strout once again turns her exquisitely-tuned eye to the inner workings of the human heart, this time following the indomitable heroine of My Name Is Lucy Barton and Oh William! through the early days of the pandemic. As a panicked world goes into lockdown, Lucy Barton is uprooted from her life in Manhattan and bundled away to a small town in Maine by her ex-husband and longtime friend, William. For the next several months, its just Lucy, William, and their complex past together in a little house nestled against the moody, swirling sea. They will not emerge unscathed. Rich with empathy and emotion, Lucy by the Sea vividly captures the fear, struggles, and isolation that come with life in a global pandemic, as well as the hope, peace, and possibilities that those long, quiet days can inspire. At the heart of this story are the deep human connections that unite us even when were apartthe pain of a beloved daughters suffering, the emptiness that comes from the death of a loved one, the promise of a new friendship, and the comfort of an old, enduring love. We all live with peopleand placesand thingsthat we have given great weight to, Lucy says. But we are weightless, in the end.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
quote
BittersweetBooks
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

It is a gift in this life that we do not know what awaits us 🍂

…that there had been a last time—when they were little—that I had picked up the girls. This had often broken my heart, to realize that you never know the last time you pick up a child. Maybe you say “Oh, honey, you‘re getting too big to be picked up” or something like that. But then you never pick them up again 🥺

24 likes1 stack add
review
HeatherBookNerd
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

A book about an older woman facing changes in herself and her family while sequestered in lockdown during Covid with her ex-husband. I do enjoy Strout‘s writing and the rich interior life of her characters.

review
Bevita
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Another lovely installation by Elizabeth Strout. I love the pandemic-timeliness, the love story of Lucy and William, all the recurring Maine characters.

review
LauraBeth
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

I finished this three months ago and loved it so much that I haven‘t shelved it. It just sits here on my desk - hogging up room I don‘t have.

BarbaraBB Yes, Lucy Barton is such a memorable character and how Strout describes the Covid years takes me right back there 13mo
LauraBeth @BarbaraBB I still need to read Oh William! - I‘ve been saving it 😀 13mo
64 likes2 stack adds2 comments
review
Centique
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Enjoyed this a lot - even though its probably my least favourite of the four Lucy books. I was ready to look back on the pandemic through the eyes of this character i have come to know so well. I really appreciate that writers like Strout have captured the variety of reactions and impacts of this period for future reference. (Albeit just in one family in one city in this book) Quiet and subtle, but with plenty to think about.

Centique This photo is of the sea I get to look at, not the one Lucy was beside! This is Auckland (Tamaki Makaurau) as seen from an island in the Hauraki Gulf. 13mo
CarolynM Lovely photo😍 Are you on the island for the weekend? 13mo
TrishB Fantastic picture 😁 13mo
See All 7 Comments
batsy Gosh, what a view 😍 13mo
sarahbarnes Great review. I agree! And great pic. 13mo
Centique @CarolynM thank you! No this is from about a month ago. How are you and your folks doing? 13mo
Centique @TrishB thank you guys 😘 @batsy @sarahbarnes 13mo
66 likes7 comments
review
AileenRR
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

My first by this author and now I‘m a fan. It was a gentle and thoughtful one to listen to and it suit my mood 💙

Megabooks By the Sea is number 4 in a series about Lucy that starts with (edited) 1y
Megabooks And then this. I devoured them last year! 1y
AileenRR @Megabooks After the first few chapters I realized that I was reading the latest of a series 😬 I‘m planning on going back and starting from the beginning. Thanks for the list! 1y
23 likes4 comments
review
fv.reads
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Panpan

I love the ordinary. But reading it out of a book – not so much.

review
CampbellTaraL
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Panpan

I struggled because I couldn't stand the protagonist. Petulant, navel-gazing wealthy white woman from NY is whisked away to idyllic rural Maine to avoid the pandemic. I think that was one point of the story; I'm not sure I got the others. There's too much for me to unpack here and I'm not invested enough to do so.

ETA: removed the Pulitzer remark I'd made in error.

CampbellTaraL Side note: I didn't connect the dots that this is the same author of the Olive Kitteredge stories, and I liked those. 1y
Judybskt I don‘t think this book won the Pulitzer Prize. But the author is a Pulitzer Prize winner for another book. 1y
CampbellTaraL @Judybskt Ah okay. The Goodreads cover wasn't clear about that. Thanks! 1y
24 likes3 comments
review
emmaturi
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

The fourth book in the Lucy Barton series starts just before Covid kicks off and continues through towards the end. Lucy goes to live in Maine with her first husband, William. It's a fast read and lots of musings about life during Covid. We learn more about Lucy's past and their lives and family relationships. I very much enjoyed it.

Megabooks This was my favorite of the series. She handled the pandemic so well. 1y
BarbaraBB Loved all of the Lucy books 1y
37 likes2 comments
review
SnowEcho
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Had read “My name is Lucy Barton” back in 2016. Revisited this character to see: How does Lucy fare in the pandemic 😷? It‘s surreal to read about the pandemic in the same way it‘s surreal to listen to music about it, and it‘s front of mind while reading. Lucy‘s story continues to be refreshing. I‘m sure this won‘t be the last one I read on Covid and its impacts. It‘s a page turner; and it‘s all over before one can blink!

review
MrsMalaprop
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

What a pleasure it‘s been for me to read the four Lucy Barton books, one after another 🙏.
This one will be discussed at my book club in a couple of weeks.
Right books at the right time ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

BiblioLitten Lovely🩵 2y
45 likes1 stack add1 comment
quote
MrsMalaprop
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

Such an astute observer of the human condition. And a bit of bibliotherapy for me as it made me think of a family bereavement situation where a relative made a grab for possessions and I coached my kids at the time to just let it go, because we don‘t need the stuff. We have the memories of our time with them. 🥰🙏

CarolynM That‘s such an interesting observation. I‘d not thought of it before, but I can think of some possible examples. 2y
MrsMalaprop Me too @CarolynM. The person I‘m thinking of has experienced numerous perceived losses and grievances and I know feels “owed” something. 2y
Jeg Interesting. 2y
36 likes3 comments
review
Chars
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Mehso-so

Felt a tad “too soon” to be reading a book about COVID lockdowns after so recently having been through it…

quote
charl08
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

....he had been a cellist with the Philharmonic, and they were closed down now....

This baffled me, I could not grasp it; I mean it made David seem even more gone to me somehow. When I went for my walks, I would think: David! Where are you?

And also, I could not listen to the classical music he had played. I had the station on my phone...., the music seemed to absolutely assault me with a screeching kind of vengeance.

45 likes1 stack add
review
rachaich
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Beautiful narrative, she conveys so much emotion and dialogue in short sentences. I read it as autobiographical, simply because it was so in depth. However I'm aware it isn't Strout 's experience.
Now I need her to write another! Maybe a follow up to Bob Burgess?

blurb
rachaich
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

Does anyone else save books to read? If I've eagerly waited for one, I keep it and savour the fact I have it still to read... then devour it!
This is one such book. Contentment:)

mcctrish All. The. Time 2y
BarbaraBB I do. And I did save this one for a while. Until I couldn‘t any longer! 2y
marleed Oh yes I do. I love to stare at my shiny new books with the anticipation of reading. Just be of the many aspects of my book management hobby. Reading is just another aspect I f this beloved hobby! 2y
23 likes3 comments
blurb
BarbaraBB
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

#BookReport 04/22

Work is killing me. And when I‘m not working I‘m too tired to read. Every time I do read, I can‘t keep my eyes open. Today is a Sunday though without any plans so I hope to spend it reading.
The two books I did finish were both gorgeous by the way!

Cinfhen This week was definitely Quality vs Quantity!!! You did read TWO MAGNIFICENT books 😊 2y
Cinfhen I‘m having an amazing time but Wi-Fi is terrible 😞 in truth, it‘s better. Less distractions 2y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen It probably adds to the experience! Can‘t wait to hear about them but for now just enjoy them ❤️ 2y
See All 14 Comments
TrishB I know that feeling! I‘m literally struggling to stay awake when I open a book. Hope you get some quality reading time today. 2y
LeeRHarry Hope your Sunday is relaxing and that you enjoy your reading 😊 2y
Cathythoughts I know the ‘too tired to read feeling‘…. I hope you read well today. 2y
CarolynM Hope you have a lovely Sunday, Barbara 😘 2y
BarbaraBB @TrishB @LeeRHarry @Cathythoughts @CarolynM Thanks friends, I am having the best of times with you around, my book and a rainy day outside! 2y
RebelReader You have two good ones there!!! 2y
squirrelbrain I hear you about the work thing! I‘ve given up work for the day, need to do the ironing next (Babel on audio!) and then I‘m going to enjoy choosing my next book(s) to read. 2y
BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain I hope you are enjoying your Sunday! I am, making a dent in Last Night at the Lobster, which is very good! 2y
Megabooks I hope you were able to get some rest today!! 💕💕 2y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks I read a whole book! A short one but I am very content! And I can highly recommend it! 2y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB I just stacked it! Glad you had a great day! 😘 2y
79 likes14 comments
review
rachelk
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

At the start of the pandemic Lucy Barton is persuaded to move from her apartment in NYC to a rental house in Maine. Strout captures that first uncertain year of Covid while providing perspective through the reflective, thoughtful lens of Lucy. It‘s not necessary to read her other books first but for fans it‘s fun to catch up with many beloved characters.

I love Strout‘s sparse, insightful prose and endearing, believable characters. 🌊

47 likes2 stack adds
review
BarbaraBB
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

It‘s another 5⭐️ read for me, this Lucy. She is just someone I like so much. How she approaches life, her past, her daughters and, very carefully, her maybe new future in Maine during the pandemic. I hope Elizabeth Strout will continue writing so beautiful about her and her wonderful family. Thank you for this gorgeous signed edition Helen 🤍

#Booked2023 #AboutAPandemic #52bookclub23 #FinalBookInASeries #pop23 #RecommendedByAFriend
#Roll100

Cinfhen Great photo and wonderful review 😘 2y
Ruthiella Great review! 👍😀 2y
See All 20 Comments
squirrelbrain Glad you loved it; I think this is my favourite of all the Lucy books. 2y
Cathythoughts Lovely review and picture ♥️ 2y
Blackink_WhitePaper Beautiful photo & review 🥰 2y
CarolynM I will get to this one… eventually… 2y
batsy What a gorgeous view! 2y
KarenUK Lovely review. Do you have to have read them all, to read this one? 2y
Librarybelle Such a great review! 2y
BarbaraBB @KarenUK not necessarily but I would if I were you. You‘ll love them. Start with 2y
BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain Mine too but only because of the predecessors ❤️ 2y
BarbaraBB @CarolynM I truly hope so! 2y
BarbaraBB @batsy Thanks! First signs of spring in a winter landscape 😀 2y
Cortg I have the first one on my bookshelf waiting to be read! I did read Olive Kitteridge and enjoyed that one. 2y
BarbaraBB @Cortg Lucy is even better if you ask me 😀 2y
Megabooks Yay!! So glad it lived up to your hopes. Thank you for introducing me to her. 💕😘 2y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks You‘re very welcome 💜 2y
106 likes3 stack adds20 comments
review
KristiAhlers
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Mehso-so

This was one of #TimeMagazineTop100ReadsOf2022. This was my first time reading this author let alone this character. As far as pandemic stories go this wasn't bad. On the other hand I'm still not ready to dive into a book about the last few years, or the political ramifications of said last few years. 3 🌟 read for me.

review
ClairesReads
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

At this stage, I don't think anyone really needs to review Elizabeth Strout so I'll just briefly say this is the best pandemic novel I have read. Every time I read another book by Strout I think, this is the best one yet, and that remained true for Lucy by the Sea. She just GETS PEOPLE, and all their complexities, contradictions, and flaws. I LOVED it.

kbuggle ‘Best pandemic novel I‘ve read‘ yes yes this exactly. She nailed it. And this cover version is lovely. 2y
ClairesReads @kbuggle absolutely nailed it 2y
rmaclean4 Loved this book! Another Pandemic book that does it right is The Fell. 2y
ClairesReads @rmaclean4 great to hear this- I have The Fell on my shelf waiting to be read 😊 2y
rmaclean4 @ClairesReads I hope you love it as much as I did! 2y
52 likes2 stack adds5 comments
quote
ClairesReads
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

quote
ClairesReads
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

quote
ClairesReads
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

review
BookBosomed1
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ If you‘ve read Strout‘s previous books about Lucy Barton, I recommend you read this one. It is a poignant account of a middle-aged woman grappling with conflicting feelings as she is forced to re-envision her life. Told in a conversational style, I felt as if I was reading Lucy‘s diary. I anticipate this book will appeal to older readers more so than younger readers. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4763135291

review
NovelNancyM
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Even though the plot is about the anxiety we all felt during the uncertainty during the Pandemic before vaccines were available, this was a delightful read that as usual in Strout's novels left me hopeful. Thoroughly enjoyed this!

sarahbarnes I loved this one too - I felt the same way about it. ♥️ 2y
42 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
AvidReader25
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

We continue with Lucy‘s story at the beginning of the pandemic. Strout does an incredible job capturing the feelings of anxiety & fear of the unknown. It‘s a quiet novel as Lucy & her ex-husband quarantine in a small Maine town, but there is powerful reflection in the mundane moments.

“This had often broken my heart, to realize that you never know the last time you pick up a child.”

“It is a gift in this life that we do not know what awaits us.”

review
Reecaspieces
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Review is up! I absolutely loved this book and I love this author! Check it out!

https://reecaspieces.com/2022/11/21/lucy-by-the-sea-by-elizabeth-strout-fiction-...

40 likes1 stack add
review
ashw21
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Something so resonant and relatable about Elizabeth Strout‘s writing! I have loved all her books and this is no exception! This is a book where she explores the isolation and fears we felt during the recent pandemic and she writes so beautifully about her relationships and her emotions.. #elizabethstrout
#bookishlifestyle#reading#books

AvidReader25 I love this cover so much more! 2y
ashw21 I like this too.. I just ordered a copy for my shelves .. 2y
14 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
BookNightOwl
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Every thought that went through my head during the pandemic 😷 was included in this book. I really love how an author decided to write a book that is fiction by based on real life events. If anybody ever wants to know what was it like during the pandemic I would say read Lucy By the Sea. From empty shelves to people hiding out. People socializing and people being extra cautious.

Thank you Netgalley and Random house

review
rmaclean4
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Just love this series. Deceptively simple writing. Her characters are so layered. In this novel Lucy goes through the pandemic and January 6th along with William.

review
akfreeborn
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Strout is masterful at expressing the deepest feelings about relationships through sparse prose and simple ordinary day to day dialogue. Her observations ring so true and through Lucy we identify with all of our anxieties and feelings through this pandemic. Really a wonderful book!

review
Bookboss
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Elizabeth Strout has become one of my favorite authors. Lucy By the Sea is the fourth in the Lucy Barton series, and it is the best. Strout takes Lucy through the early days of the pandemic, detailing Lucy‘s anxieties, fears, and comforts. She is excellent at capturing all of the small moments and thoughts that make up a life. After finishing, I immediately re-read My Name is Lucy Barton. Just fabulous!

review
mjtwo
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

12-8 Oct 22 (audiobook)
After finding the first book a bit lacklustre, I am now a thorough convert to Lucy Barton. This instalment was particularly good, as Lucy and William flee NYC just before the height of the pandemic for a new life in Maine. It focuses on family - Lucy‘s relationship with William, her daughters and David.
It did make me a little nervous about heading to NYC in a couple of months as the death toll for COVID in the US hit home.

BkClubCare 🥰 2y
16 likes1 comment
review
Lesliereadsalot
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

I‘ve read every one of her books and I love them all, especially the ongoing ones about Lucy. And the books about Olive too, for that matter. This book is about Lucy during the pandemic. And it‘s about ex-husbands and daughters, of which I have lots of experience. Elizabeth Strout is just a wonderful author and she has written one thoughtful book after another..

review
brushlo
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

really good. my first read that was set during the pandemic. taken together these two books shine - but the first book in the series is not as enjoyable as this one is. lots of thoughtful concepts are explored. highly recommend!

review
Addison_Reads
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

When this audiobook hold came in at the library I took a break from all things spooky to spend time with Lucy again.

Strout uses the pandemic and recent political climate as the backdrop and experiencing it all through Lucy's eyes made for a great read. But then I might be biased because I adore Lucy. 💚

#LittenListen @aperfectmjk #SeriesRead2022 @TheSpineView

TheSpineView Fantastic 2y
48 likes1 comment
review
sarahbarnes
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

I just really love Lucy. ♥️ This story of navigating the next phase of life and the pandemic was quietly poignant as always and with so many of the bits of wisdom that I love her for. The way she takes in the events of life with such vulnerability and honesty is so comforting to me. I hope there are still more stories of hers to come!

35 likes1 stack add
review
Erinreadsthebooks
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

This wasn‘t my favorite. Despite my immense love for Strout, I kept finding myself thinking ‘first world problems‘ or ‘why is Lucy so whiny?‘ Then I‘d come across something really poignant (like the waiting in line to get into the grocery store part, or how we‘re like Ping Pong balls). Maybe it was too early for a pandemic book, who knows? I‘m glad I read it, and had I read it at a different time, I might‘ve really loved it is what I‘m saying… 😏

review
Christine
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

I found this as wonderful as expected! I continue to be very into COVID-themed fiction, so reading about beloved Lucy‘s experiences during the pandemic was totally riveting. As always, Strout sprinkled in some really profound ideas among her chronicles of Lucy‘s thoughts and everyday and exceptional moments. (A line about the last time picking up one‘s child really floored me. 🥺) Longing and hoping for more and more Lucy stories to come! ❤️

Megabooks Agreed! Great review! 2y
51 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
marleed
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

And once again, Lucy gets all my stars - and the tag!

5* = Loved It, want to shout out loud about this book! I do/will own/keep a physical copy. A+
4*= I liked it, would love to discuss. Solid B
3*=Meh, no need to discuss. Average C
2*=Nope D
1*=DNF F

sarahbarnes I have the new Lucy from the library and am excited to read it! 2y
marleed @sarahbarnes It‘s so good! 2y
59 likes2 comments
review
Kristin_Reads
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

📖 10-1-22 || This book brought me out of my reading slump! I love Lucy Barton just as much as Olive Kitteridge. Although Strout‘s books always have an undertone of sadness for me, this was beautifully written and I will remember it for a long time. I love all of the cameos of characters from her other novels, as well.

BookBosomed1 I‘m reading this now! I‘ve put it down a couple of times bc of the underlying sadness of it. 2y
Kristin_Reads @BookBosomed1 I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 2y
63 likes3 stack adds2 comments
review
BkClubCare
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Me, too! Ann Patchett; me, too. Depth, complexity, and love. All told so simply. (Ann is also on my list of favorites.)

And HOW COOL and how poignant! To have Hilary Mantel provide her praise to this Lucy book.

Me and Ann and Hilary could have had a book club talk together on how amazing and wonderful it is to have Elizabeth Strout books to read.

squirrelbrain Wonderful praise for a fab book! ❤️ 2y
marleed I‘m so in love with this book! 2y
AvidReader25 I can‘t wait to read this one!!! 2y
53 likes3 comments
quote
BkClubCare
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

HELP! I need one of my Litsy-pals + Strout-devotees who either has a photo-memory or an e-Book who can tell me what page the first reference is to the ping pong balls, cuz I can‘t find it... 😏😤

I am on page 195; “And it seemed that my ping-pong ball could not touch his right now.” . . . And I want to go reread the explanation and I can‘t find it.

#CaresPieShow

BkClubCare These are my mini (6”) Pie dishes next to my latest “full” size which is a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie and the mini with pie features Pear Cranberry - - which was AH-mazing!!!! #CaresPieHow
Btw, today is Key Lime Pie Day which I just maybe might think ‘bout making this weekend!
2y
Ruthiella Sorry! I don‘t have the ebook! But your pies look delicious! 😋 2y
BkClubCare @Ruthiella - hi!!! 👋 no worries 😉 2y
See All 6 Comments
BkClubCare @Ruthiella - the Pear Chocolate 🍐🍫 was amazing 🌟 2y
Erinreadsthebooks Page 186 if you still need the Ping Pong reference 😃 2y
BkClubCare @Erinreadsthebooks - yes! Thank you so much 💐 2y
45 likes6 comments
blurb
BkClubCare
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image

Sitting outside, sipping a good beer, 🏈 on 📺, starting the latest in the Lucy series by my favorite author.

review
Megabooks
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel | Elizabeth Strout
post image
Pickpick

Lucy has stolen my heart again! This is the gold standard for pandemic-set fiction. It is surprisingly warm, but Strout still captures the uncertainty of 2020-21. 5⭐️ Read notes below!

Lucy, like many of us, was a bit clueless heading into 2020, but her ex-husband, William, saw the writing on the wall and whisks her away to Maine. Their daughters flee to CT. What follows is a loving look at our new normal, and Lucy adjusting to small-town life.

Megabooks Notes: this is book 4 in a series and does not work as a stand-alone imo. Also, for Strout fans, characters from her novels set in Maine make appearances, and there are some spoilers for those books (as far as how characters end up). Enjoy! (edited) 2y
squirrelbrain Glad you loved it too! Interestingly a review in todays Observer newspaper compared it very unfavourably to Oh William!, when I thought Oh William! was the weakest so far, and this one the best. 2y
Megabooks @squirrelbrain I agree with you!! I didn‘t much care for Oh William, but it did a nice job of setting this book up. 2y
See All 12 Comments
Sparklemn I appreciate your advice on this not working as a stand-alone! I'll make sure to read the others first. 😃 2y
BarbaraBB Stellar review. I preordered a copy but now it‘s unavailable. Frustrating but I‘ll read it sooner or later 2y
BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain so intriguing. I loved Oh William, am curious where I‘ll end up with this one! 2y
squirrelbrain I really liked Oh William, Meg @BarbaraBB but preferred this one by far. That‘s so annoying that it‘s now unavailable Barbara! 2y
AvidReader25 I loved Oh William and I can‘t wait to read this one! 2y
Megabooks @Sparklemn glad I could help! 2y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain I guess, having read all four this year, oh William just struck me as my least favorite. It wasn‘t a bad book, but by the sea is such a better continuation of their story. And I love that she left room for a fifth!! I hope you can read it soon. I got an audiobook copy or else I‘d send it to you B. 💜 2y
BarbaraBB That is so sweet Meg, but I‘m sure I‘ll be able to find a copy soon! 😘 2y
84 likes3 stack adds12 comments