Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

*** Review ***

The title of the book caught my attention. Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout promised a return to the intricate world of Crosby, Maine, with its familiar characters and their complex lives. As a fan of Strout’s previous works, especially her portrayal of small-town life and deeply human characters, I was eager to dive into this new narrative.

In Tell Me Everything, Strout revisits the beloved characters of Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, Bob Burgess, and others as they navigate a shocking crime, new relationships, and the profound question of what a person’s life truly means. The novel is set in the crisp autumn of Maine, where the town lawyer Bob Burgess is caught up in a murder investigation, defending a reclusive man accused of killing his mother. Bob’s involvement in this case brings him closer to Lucy Barton, who has become a significant figure in his life. Lucy, living nearby with her ex-husband William, finds solace and companionship in her walks and conversations with Bob. Their relationship is one of deep friendship and mutual understanding, which adds layers of emotional depth to the story.

The narrative also reintroduces us to Olive Kitteridge, who is now living in a retirement community. Olive’s encounters with Lucy are particularly poignant, as they share stories about the lives of others, breathing new life into the memories of the past. These “unrecorded lives,” as Olive calls them, provide a rich tapestry of human experiences that are both touching and thought-provoking.

One of the reasons Elizabeth Strout remains one of my favorite authors is her ability to delve into the intimate, inner thoughts of her characters. In Tell Me Everything, she excels at portraying their vulnerabilities, fears, and moments of kindness. Strout’s keen sense of human nature shines through, making her characters relatable and profoundly real. Her descriptions of the changing seasons in Maine add a beautiful backdrop to the story, enhancing the sense of place and time.

Bob Burgess, a character I was first introduced to in The Burgess Boys and later in Oh William!, takes center stage in this novel. Bob’s big heart and his own unawareness of his goodness make him an endearing figure. Strout explores Bob’s childhood trauma and his ongoing struggles, particularly his relationship with his brother, which adds depth to his character. Through Bob, Strout reminds us of the enduring impact of past traumas on our present lives.

Lucy Barton, my favorite Strout character, is once again portrayed with her vulnerabilities and empathy. Her interactions with Olive Kitteridge are some of the most heartfelt moments in the book. Lucy’s ability to listen deeply to others is highlighted, making her a conduit for the untold stories that Olive shares. These moments between Lucy and Olive are not just about recounting past events but about finding meaning in those lives and connections.

The novel is not merely a quiet exploration of character and place; it has a compelling plot driven by the murder investigation Bob is involved in. This adds an element of suspense and urgency to the story, keeping the reader engaged. The themes of loneliness, aging, grief, childhood traumas, and various forms of love are woven throughout the narrative, enriching the reader’s experience. One of the most touching moments is when Lucy shares her own untold story with Olive, highlighting the power of storytelling in making sense of our lives.

Elizabeth Strout’s ability to create a tight-knit yet emotionally vast universe is evident in Tell Me Everything. Her straightforward yet richly ironic voice brings to life the stories of ordinary people with extraordinary insights. The interactions between Olive and Lucy, especially in the context of their advanced ages, are beautifully rendered. Olive, at ninety, and Lucy, in her sixties, have a unique dynamic that adds depth to their characters and to the overall narrative.

The book’s focus on Bob Burgess is a testament to Strout’s skill in revisiting characters with fresh perspectives. Bob, now a semi-retired attorney, is portrayed with humility and generosity, struggling with his own worth and place in the world. His relationships, especially with Lucy and his wife Margaret, a Unitarian minister, are central to the story. Bob’s internal conflicts and his role as a “sin-eater,” as Lucy describes him, add layers of complexity to his character.

For those new to Strout’s work, Tell Me Everything is a wonderful entry point, though returning readers will appreciate the deeper connections and nuances. Strout’s ability to make even the smallest moments significant and emotionally resonant is a hallmark of her writing. Her characters, with all their flaws and strengths, are brought to life in a way that is both relatable and deeply moving.

Tell Me Everything is a rich and rewarding novel that explores the intricacies of human relationships and the quest for meaning in our lives. Elizabeth Strout once again proves her mastery in creating a world that feels both intimate and expansive, filled with characters who linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned.