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emzapk's review against another edition
4.0
A gentle reminder that healing from grief comes not from inner strength or fortitude, but from the loving support of others and of God. "Where there are people there is always the hope of love."
welikenicethings's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mcearl12's review against another edition
5.0
I’m adore Elizabeth Strout’s writing and this book was no exception.
muckmom's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
libraryjo62's review against another edition
3.0
I do love a well-crafted sentence and the author will give you plenty, but otherwise this is just an OK book. I used to live in Maine and Maine-themed books appeal to me, but this was more small town themed than Maine-themed. All through the book, the characters are portrayed in sadly stereotypical (but also sadly true) ways...small minded and gossipy. They all find their consciences in the last few chapters and suddenly begin behaving according to the better angels on their shoulders. I guess this is supposed to be a redemptive book, but falls flat for me because the premise of community redemption is not plausible for me. Individuals, yes, small towns, no. Perhaps I've lived in a small town too long to believe in the redemptive nature of small town people. The book is set in the 1950s and in 2023 not much about small-minded, gossipy, judgemental people has changed. I honestly didn't like any of the characters in this book, not the minister, not his wife, not his mother, not anyone save for Carol Meadows and the Tyler's children. I felt sorry for the characters, but I did not like them. Kudos to the talented writing of the author. She shines there, but this story was not for me.
krobart's review against another edition
4.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2019/06/11/review-1360-abide-with-me/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2019/06/11/review-1360-abide-with-me/