The Burgess Boys | Elizabeth Strout

The Burgess Boys: A Novel

Accolades & Praise

• New York Times Bestseller: A highly celebrated literary achievement.
• Best Book of the Year: Recognized by The Washington Post, NPR, and Good Housekeeping.
• "What truly makes Strout exceptional . . . is the perfect balance she achieves between the tides of story and depths of feeling." — Chicago Tribune

Extended Synopsis

Haunted by the freak accident that killed their father when they were children, Jim and Bob Burgess escaped from their Maine hometown of Shirley Falls for New York City as soon as they possibly could. Jim, a slick and successful corporate lawyer, has belittled his bighearted brother their whole lives. Bob, a mild-mannered Legal Aid attorney who idolizes Jim, has always taken the criticism in stride.

But their long-standing dynamic is abruptly upended when their sister, Susan—the Burgess sibling who stayed behind in Maine—urgently calls them home. Her son has committed a shocking act that plunges their community into turmoil, forcing the brothers to return to the landscape of their childhood trauma.

As the brothers navigate the crisis in Shirley Falls, long-buried tensions that have shaped and shadowed their relationship begin to surface in unexpected ways. Tracing buried secrets, family resentments, and complex loyalties, Elizabeth Strout delivers a masterclass in human behavior that will change the Burgess family forever. This edition also includes an original essay by the author detailing the origins of the novel.

About the Author

Elizabeth Strout is the acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Olive Kitteridge and My Name is Lucy Barton. Her profound ability to capture the intimate intricacies of small-town life and family dynamics has made her one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary American fiction.

Reader Targeting

• Readers who appreciate deeply moving, character-driven literary fiction.
• Fans of rich family sagas exploring sibling dynamics and long-buried resentments.
• Followers of Elizabeth Strout's previous works seeking another intimate portrait of an American community.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main plot of The Burgess Boys?
The novel centers on two estranged brothers, Jim and Bob Burgess, who escaped their traumatic past in Maine for New York City, only to be drawn back home when their sister's son commits a shocking act that disrupts the community.

Who is the author of The Burgess Boys?
The book is written by Elizabeth Strout, the acclaimed and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Olive Kitteridge.

Does this edition have any special features?
Yes, this Trade Paperback edition includes an original essay by Elizabeth Strout detailing the origins and inspiration behind the novel.

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