Book Review: "Olive, Again" By Elizabeth Strout

Getting old sucks!

Nobody understands this better than our main gal Olive who has had a bumpy ride over the years.

She been widowed. She's been depressed. She's even been disgraced.

One thing is for sure she has plenty of individuals around her with equally challenging lives.

It's that compare and contrast that builds the foundation upon which she often finds herself.

What if you could put death on hold?

What if you could be all you've ever dreamed?

What if you don't see yourself quite like everyone else sees you?

The characters in this are quite interesting especially Jack Kennison.

I'd be reluctant if I didn't mention Jack and his humongous belly. But Jack is more than just plump as he holds a PhD but feels ignored. Perhaps that explains why he sought Elaine after 25 yr marriage. Perhaps that's the reason his relationship with his daughter Cassie isn't so perfect after all.

However, when he learns about his wife Betsy's actions during the marriage he has an epiphany. It seems what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

However could the timing make any difference in having an affair? Is it better to wait until your knee deep into marriage before introducing alternatives?

Life is one full circle.

I don't need to tell you this!

Yet Jack and Olive seem to connect on levels never before explored. So it's no surprise they become engaged and soon marry.

What is surprising is the fact that Jack has a gay daughter and Olive has medical issues that need her attention.

When the twists and turns are introduced we notice a change. A change both in the strength of the storyline, the characters, and ultimately the ending.

I was on board up till midway when Olive had this sudden situation and fell out of the story and we were sent packing for a time being.

As readers it's like the 'killing off' segment but then she emerges and we find a new sweetness with Isabelle.

Isabelle is her roommate in the nursing home who deeply misses her mom.
The reflections of the past, the jokes about 'Depends', the conversation about life and family is truly unique.

I suppose all we can now say is what Olive has noted," I do not have a clue who I have been. Truthfully, I do not understand a thing."

We often fly by the seat of our pants. We take a leap not fully aware of the reasons why but hoping it fulfills a destiny and longing from within each of us.

I absolutely adored the beginning and the end but the middle fell flat after Olive left.
To be loved by two men. To have family that may not be perfect but good enough. To have grandkids that see the light every now and then.

Life is fickle yet worth every minute of the wild ride!

Enjoy!