Honest, tough and absorbing

This was my first Elizabeth Strout, and I'm looking forward to the next. The writing is precise and lyrical. Precise, in that there isn't a wasted word. Lyrical in that although there are few specific descriptions of places and things, you can "see" the rooms and settings clearly through the characters' dialog. The story is simple and urgently familiar to anyone who ever lived a limited life in a small town. My mental pictures as I listened were very Hopper: this is small town life, red in tooth and claw. It's not an easy listen but a worthwhile one.

I'm picky about narrators, and this one is pretty good. Occasionally a bit actor-ish, but generally authentic and without the overlay of her own opinions that spoils so many otherwise good audiobooks.

Another reviewer called it offensive. Well, a couple of scenes are quite explicit, but that was really necessary to evoke an adolescent girl's ignorance in the context of her first sexual encounter. Really poignant, the way she mistakes rutting passion for romance, and without that nuance the rest of the story wouldn't play.

19 people found this helpful

Offensive, disappointing and poorly written

There are many reasons I didn't like this novel, including both subject matter, story and writing style. Regarding the subject matter, I was offended by the explicit sexual descriptions of a relationship between a teacher and student. Not only do we not need to create more stories around the topic, we also do not need detailed descriptions. Beyond that offensive part of the book the overall story was weak and lacked a compelling theme. Two main stories were explored: the one of Amy and Isabelle and then a side story of people at Isabelle's work that should have just been edited out. Finally, the writing style was poor. In addition to having too much story in there, tidbits of the future beyond the book were given, and in a way that was not interesting as to what might take place in the future, but was just another random piece of information that continue to detract from the book. Skip it.

7 people found this helpful

Real life

A dramatic, well paced narrative centered on a hot, oppressive summer in a New England mill town. Excellent narration. This is a character driven story, and I found it quite compelling. Especially loved the "supporting" characters of Fat Bev and Dottie.

7 people found this helpful

This book grows on you and stays!

Elizabeth Strout is a talented writer and brings people into my life whom I would probably never otherwise meet. These are simple, genuinely kind people who, like all of us, are trying to navigate life's difficulties - in this case, a mother and 17 year old daughter who don't really start communicating until they are faced with major obstacles. The characters are beautifully drawn and the changes they come into are authentically depicted. I loved it.

5 people found this helpful

A story that you will want to listen to in a single audio reading

So many have commented on the story, characters, and the writing, I would like to point out the magnificence of the narrator. She is wonderful, esp. in capturing the voice of Amy--both as the young woman struggling to live in the constricted world of her mother's psychological fears, emotional uncertainties, and economic worries, but also when the very young child breaks out in this teenage girl longing to know physical warmth and realize the possibility of love's intimacy.
The amazing quality to Stephanie Roberts' performance is that she does not get in the way of the story; that is, at least for a woman listening to her, it as as though you are hearing your own internal voice

4 people found this helpful

Good story line but too much detail

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would not recommend this book to a friend. The mother/daughter relationship storyline appealed to me. However, the author described every little thing in unnecessary detail. For example, if a leaf is green I find it unnecessary to spend five minutes talking about the shade of green. If a character does something gross, a five minute description of just how gross is a turn-off in my opinion. In summary, the book could have held my interest if it the author had not gone on and on and on about things that had no bearing on the storyline. Since that was not the case, I got through only about 3/4 of the audio.

Would you be willing to try another book from Elizabeth Strout? Why or why not?

No, because she goes on and on and on about things that are insignificant to the story.

What about Stephanie Roberts’s performance did you like?

The narrator had a nice, professional, theatrically-trained sounding voice. She did not take deep loud breaths after each sentence like so many audible narrators do. I also appreciate that I did not hear smacking and saliva as I do with many of the narrators. I would love to hear her read a more interesting book.

Could you see Amy and Isabelle being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I could see it being made into a movie,but it would be a very dark, solemn, depressing movie. It definitely would not be a movie I would want to see.

4 people found this helpful

Elizabeth Strout is always a unique read.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this title to any current Elizabeth Strout fans. I feel one must either have a) an open mind, or b) an existing appreciation for Strout's heavy exposition.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the painful believability of the characters.

What three words best describe Stephanie Roberts’s performance?

Patient. Impassioned. Believable.

If you could rename Amy and Isabelle, what would you call it?

The Sins of the Mother

3 people found this helpful

Another unforgettable lesson in Compassion

Every book I listen to by Elizabeth Strout, reminds me of people I've know and forgotten about, some of whom I judged before I forgot about them. At some point during every book I think of myself in various forms. The insecure me, the child me, or the judged me. I cannot read Ms. Strout without feeling empathy and compassion for the characters who inhabited my life, and for myself. She has a gift.

2 people found this helpful

Such a honestly written book

This book is written in such an honest & beautiful way. The characters seem real & you become more invested in their lives as the story goes on. You feel for Isabelle as she decides to be honest with people about her life & as she discovers the meaning of friendship. You feel for Amy in a totally different way, as she discovers her sexuality & all the mistakes she makes. I couldn't stop listening, but didn't want the story to end.

2 people found this helpful

Brilliant Intricate Story

4th audible book I have completed of Elizabeth Strout's. Deep beautiful characters - heartwrenching and heartwarming mother daughter journey. A balance of life - dark and light. Excellent narration by Stephanie Roberts. Deep brilliant writing!

1 person found this helpful