Reviews

Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout

alicebme's review

5.0

I was thinking this book is about mothers, and then I was thinking it was about moving between class lines, and then I remembered that I read that in this book like a big circle.

thecat's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

elineveldhuisen's review

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

rachelevelyn's review

2.75

I grabbed this in the library not realising that it was part of a collection of books about this character. I found some parts about the US in the early 2020s quite interesting and beautifully written but overall maybe it’s too soon to “enjoy” covid books - feel like we read so much about it at the time that I just didn’t find it that interesting. Writing also quite flat and didn’t really empathise with or like any of the characters (esp not a fan of William).

pam2375's review

5.0

I love Lucy Barton. I can relate to her, I can feel all the feels that she is feeling and well, I can get depressed because of Lucy. Even with that said, I love this book.

None of us knew how to get through the pandemic, we just did. Ms Strout was able to create that world of fear, joy of being with my family, isolation and hoping for more isolation while the virus races across the country/world.

This book gave me everything I want and expect in a book. I encourage you to read the first books in the Lucy Barton series. It will give you the ability to really understand Lucy and William a whole lot better.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for this advanced readers copy. This book published on September 20, 2022.

tarinisehgal's review

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

God, now I want to move to Maine and live by the sea with my nonexistent ex-husband. Light, easy and exactly what I wanted near the end of term. 
Thank you ella, returning this as soon as you get off the phone x. 

clairewilsonleeds's review

emotional reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

bookqueen28's review

2.0

The best part of this book was when it was over. Dull, uninteresting characters. My goal this year is to choose my books more carefully.

luisagerdsmeyer's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

cindy_f's review

5.0

I don’t think I can fully express how much I adored this book. Lucy Barton is definitely a favorite literary character of mine. Elizabeth Strout captured my heart with her writing. The only book in the series I didn’t read was the second one, but I enjoyed the other three.

In this story, the country is facing “the virus” and as a result everyone must shelter in place. Ex- husband William takes Lucy out of the city were the virus is sure to hit and drives to the coast of Maine. The house he rented for them by the sea sounds lovely. Lucy’s narrative is one of empathy and strength, with a hint of fear which is appropriate. I loved the conversations she had with her lovely friend Bob, as well as her interactions with her daughters. This book is very timely and hopeful.