- Date Published:
2016 - Length:
208 pages—Listening Time: 4 hrs, 1 minutes - Genre:
General Fiction - Setting:
1980s, New York City with flashbacks to Amgash, Illinois - Awards:
Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2016; Shortlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award 2018; New York Times Bestseller - Language :
English, but translated into many languages including Spanish, French and German - Sensitive Aspects:
There are several references to mild physical abuse (i.e., slapping a child) and two references to inappropriate sexual behavior and homosexuality/cross-dressing. Nothing is described at length or in any detail, but the fact that it deals with parents mistreating their children could be somewhat disturbing. - Movie:
As of April 2025, there are no movie deals announced; however, the book was adapted into a one-woman stage production that debuted in 2018 in London and in 2020 in New York City. The production starred Laura Linney as Lucy Barton. - Recommend for Book Club:
YES, most all book clubs will enjoy this book as well as the entire Lucy Barton series.
I know that I didn't grow up in poverty in Illinois like Lucy Barton did. I know that I have not become a renowned author (I wish) like Lucy Barton. While Lucy Barton lived in New York, I never have, and unlike Lucy, I had a pretty good relationship with my mother. But when I read My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout, I felt like I was Lucy Barton.
Strout's books have mesmerized me. Her fans know that even the most ordinary characters and events come alive in her books. Anything—I repeat, anything, no matter how insignificant— becomes a word masterpiece when Elizabeth Strout gets hold of it. Her characters are so real I'll bet she dreams about them every night. I certainly do while I'm reading her books.
There are five books so far in the Lucy Barton series:
- My Name is Lucy Barton—2016.
- Anything is Possible—2017
- Oh William—2021
- Lucy by the Sea—2022
- Tell Me Everything—2024
Actually, if you want to get the full "Lucy" experience, you'd better read Olive Kitteridge (2009 Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction) and Olive Again. Olive and Lucy meet and become friends in Tell Me Everything, so you'll want to know all about Olive before you read the last book.
When I first read Oh William a few years ago, I didn't realize it was part of a series. When Tell Me Everything was released last year and started getting a lot of attention, it finally snapped for me that I was missing out on a treasure trove of great books. I spent most of my reading time last month catching up with Lucy. I haven't read Olive, Again yet, but it's up next on my reading list. I am now a full-fledged Lucy Barton junkie, and proud of it.
Okay, back to the first book in the series.
My Name Is Lucy Barton is a reflective story about grief, recovery, and familial bonds. The plot revolves around Lucy Barton, a writer recovering from complications from appendix surgery in a New York City hospital in the 1980s. Lucy's estranged mother visits her, sparking a series of conversations about her destitute and emotionally neglected upbringing in rural Amgash, Illinois. These chats illustrate the problems in their relationship, as well as Lucy's struggles to reconcile her past with her present life as a writer, wife, and mother.
The story alternates between Lucy's hospital stay and her memories, revealing details about her problematic family dynamics, marriage, motherhood, and writing career. The novel explores loneliness, the long-term impact of childhood trauma, and the ability to love in the face of tragedy through episodic vignettes. It's a brief read, but it packs many gut-wrenching hits, so maybe its brevity is a good thing.
I really think that any female reader over the age of 50 will enjoy this book. If you are over the age of 60, you might just fall in love with it. Here are compelling reasons you should consider reading My Name is Lucy Barton:
- Rich Character Development
Lucy Barton is a memorable protagonist. Her path from a difficult background of poverty and abuse to becoming a renowned writer is deeply genuine and relatable. Strout creates Lucy as an unusual character who readers can identify with and remember long after they finish the book. - Poignant Exploration of Family Dynamics
The novel focuses on Lucy's connection with her estranged mother during a hospital stay. Their chats expose layers of anguish, love, and untold memories from their past. Despite her mother's inability to express affection openly, Lucy discovers a way to balance her emotions and accept her mother's imperfect love. - Themes of Hope and Redemption
The story, via Lucy's observations on her life, offers optimism in the midst of misfortune. It illustrates the human spirit's tenacity and ability to forgive, even in difficult situations. - Masterful Writing Style
Though emotionally strong, Elizabeth Strout's writing is quite simple. She packs a strong emotional impact into a short book by gently and gracefully expressing profound truths about life and relationships. - Insights into Writing as an Art
The story also delves into the creative process of writing through Lucy's interactions with her mentor, Sarah Payne. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in storytelling, making it especially resonant for aspiring writers. - Universal Themes
The novel touches on universal themes such as love, loss, identity, and the human condition. It encourages empathy and introspection by asking readers to consider their relationships and experiences.
If you are looking for a lot of action, this book may not be for you. But My Name is Lucy Barton is more than just a story—it’s a meditation on life, relationships, and the imperfect ways we love one another. Its emotional depth and literary brilliance make it a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and thought-provoking experience.
I truly hope this book resonates with you just like it did with me.
Get Elizabeth Strout Books
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If you enjoyed My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout, here are some similar books that explore themes of family, relationships, identity, and emotional introspection:
Books by Elizabeth Strout
- Anything Is Possible: A companion novel to My Name Is Lucy Barton, offering interconnected stories about characters from Lucy's hometown.
- The Burgess Boys: A tale of siblings grappling with their past and present relationships.
Literary Fiction with Similar Themes
- A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler: A multigenerational family saga filled with love, secrets, and misunderstandings.
- Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill: A fragmented yet profound exploration of marriage, motherhood, and identity.
- Commonwealth by Ann Patchett: A story of two families brought together by an affair and the ripple effects over five decades.
Emotionally Reflective Novels
- Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell: A lyrical portrayal of grief and family life in 16th-century England.
- Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore: A poignant exploration of women’s lives in a small Texas town.
- The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce: A moving story of love, regret, and redemption.
Other Recommendations
- Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes: A heartfelt story about starting anew after loss.
- The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See: A tale of friendship and resilience set on Jeju Island.
- Pachinko by Min Jin Lee: A sweeping family saga about love, sacrifice, and survival across generations.
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