Olive Kitteridge | Elizabeth Strout

Olive Kitteridge: A Novel

Accolades & Praise

• Award Winner: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
• Critical Acclaim: Named one of the New York Times's 100 Best Books of the 21st Century and a Kirkus Reviews Best Fiction Book of the Century.
• Adaptation: The inspiration for the Emmy Award-winning HBO miniseries starring Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, and Bill Murray.

Extended Synopsis

At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town of Crosby, Maine, and in the world at large, but she doesn't always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance; a former student who has lost the will to live; Olive's own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and her husband, Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse.

As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life—sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition—its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.

About the Author

Elizabeth Strout is the #1 New York Times bestselling and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of widely celebrated literary fiction, including My Name is Lucy Barton and the Oprah's Book Club pick Olive, Again. Her work is celebrated for its precise, empathetic, and astonishing force in animating ordinary lives.

Reader Targeting

• Readers who appreciate character-driven literary fiction and interconnected short stories.
• Fans of profound, unapologetic explorations of aging, marital struggles, and small-town dynamics.
• Enthusiasts of award-winning contemporary fiction and deeply flawed, fiercely human protagonists.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Did this book win any awards?
Yes, Olive Kitteridge won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and has been widely celebrated as one of the best books of the 21st century.

What is the structure of the novel?
The book is composed of thirteen deeply interconnected narratives centered around the residents of a small coastal Maine town, anchored by the retired schoolteacher Olive Kitteridge.

Is this part of a series?
Yes, this is the first book featuring Olive Kitteridge, which is followed by the sequel Olive, Again.

Bust-Down Books: More Than a Bookstore