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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
I have mixed feelings about this. I don't love short stories and I think I would have appreciated Olive more in a longer narrative. Some of the stories were better than others, but none was especially satisfying. Still, it was well-written and it was interesting to see how many other lives Olive touched, even in a small way. She was horrible to everyone around her, but she did have a positive impact on many lives, which I found interesting. I'm not sure how much I enjoyed this or whether I would recommend it or to whom, but I don't regret reading it either.
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2.5-3 mainly because it is overwhelmingly sad and a little bleak at times. Some phenomenal descriptions (particularly enjoyed Olive taking shoe/bar/pen-ing jumper of daughter-in-law) & very believable characters. Impressive stuff but can bring you down a bit.
I really loved this book. It was well-written and reminded me of Winnesburg, Ohio (which my brother introduced to me). I was curious about the book since it was written by a Bates alum and took place in Maine. It was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize this year and it truly deserved it. It was one of those books where each word held meaning. One of the best books I have read in a long time.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can see why people recommend this. Sad and reflective in a way that stays with you throughout the day. I'd have read novels about each of the short stories.
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
emotional
reflective
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
I believe this book is going to stuck with me. All the stories touched me in some kind of way and, Olive, even with her bad humour, touched my heart.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I'm really into historical fiction right now, but I just kept feeling like I was in a lull and had to go back and reread parts because I just wasn't that hooked.