And our group had a great discussion, with most of us really impressed with this fairly slim book that connects with, but does not require, her prior book My Name is Lucy Barton. Although most of us (I am an exception) did not like her similarly structured novel of stories Olive Kitteridge, we all liked this one. Somehow, the author can use a minimum of words to create a maximal impact - and there is much impact here. This collection of stories moves around the characters of Lucy's small town to give a full, rich view of small-town life.
As a well-known author, Lucy comes back to her small town with trepidation. Her family was desperately poor and while she is far from that now, it is still with her. Her damaged brother and resentful sister never left, nor did a person kind to Lucy in her youth - the janitor in her school. The memory of her and her siblings rummaging through the dumpsters for food, and the subsequent ridicule from her schoolmates, is still close at hand.
As with Olive Kitteridge, each story gives an insight into the lives centered in this little town, and in the whole, an insight into life in this, or any other small, dwindling town. The characters are varied, inevitably flawed, and yet the stories ring true and create a whole. There are genuinely nice characters in this book, and those would be nice if only their lives weren't so difficult. They are easy to understand, as the author has given us the room to appreciate their challenges and recognize just how difficult it can be to see the larger truth.
All of us commented on the spare language that Strout uses to such great effect. When most of us need ten words, Strout makes do with four - and does a better job of evoking the nub of her thought. All these people have ambiguous and ambivalences. Instead of condemning them for that, Strout makes us see that this is the human condition.
And so, generally we loved it. I for one am going to go back to her earlier works with new eyes, as Strout, in my opinion, has refined her work to a brilliant level and I want to see the progression again.
And so, on to our next meeting. We agreed to move our Christmas meeting to Dec. 13 to accommodate my schedule, however Jean Jumet will be in town the following Thursday and wondered if that day would work so she can join us. I think the date is the 21st, Jean is confirming for me. Is that day an issue for anyone? It would be great to have her back with us.
As you likely remember, December's meeting is a Yankee Book Swap, so no reading which is lucky as I have no less than 15 books on my table waiting for me. Let me know what you think about the date! We will be at my house, lucky me!
Happy Holidays!
