- Date Published:
2021 - Length:
256 pages—Listening Time: 7 hrs - Genre:
Fiction - Setting:
2000-Present day, Maine with some scenes in New York - Awards:
Booker Prize Shortlist 2022; BookTube Prize Octofinalist in Fiction 2022; Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee in Fiction 2021; NPR Books We Love 2021
The New York Times Notable Books of the Year in Fiction 2021; Globe and Mail Top 100 Book Fiction 2021; Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Adults Selection 2021 - Language:
English, Translated into 14 languages: Catalan, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Latin, Norwegian (Bokmål), Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish - Sensitive Aspects:
Divorce, aging, loneliness, impact of childhood trauma - Movie:
Currently only available in its original novel format - Recommend for Book Club:
Yes, for groups that enjoy real life fiction
Oh William! is the third book in the Lucy Barton series.
I can't decide whether I arrived at the party too late or too early in reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it upon its release in 2021. I was completely clueless that there were two earlier books in the series, My Name is Lucy Barton and Anything is Possible.
A few months ago, I finally caught up and read all five of the Lucy Barton books, along with the two Olive Kitteridge books. My recommendation is to read both series. To fully appreciate the depth of this remarkable story, it is essential to read all 6 books.
Finding a full book series with protagonists that are, uh, elderly, is very rare. These novels gently prodded me (in a good way), and, I guess because I'm at the elderhood stage of my life, they have stuck with me. Some of the characters mirror real people I know. Some of the events replicate situations that have occurred and are taking place in my life. And the prose, oh my, flows so well that it's like having a trusted friend narrating the tale. Lucy and Olive are relatable to everyone over 60. Strout excels in transforming even the dullest and unremarkable moments in her characters' lives into captivating narratives that readers can't get enough of.
The story of Oh William! continues from where Anything is Possible left off. Lucy Barton, a successful writer and recent widow, reconnects with her first husband, William, after many years. William, now in his seventies and recently left by his third wife, discovers he has a half-sister he never knew about. Together, Lucy and William take a trip to Maine to uncover family secrets and confront their complex past, exploring themes of marriage, loss, memory, and identity. The novel delves into their enduring bond, the impact of childhood and family dynamics, and Lucy's reflections on her life and relationships.
Before his latest marriage ended, William received an ancestry research ticket from Estelle, his now ex-wife. Just out of curiosity, he used it to find an older half-sister who lives in the same area in Maine where William's mother, Catherine, was born and reared. This revelation shocks William, and he takes Lucy on a road trip to Maine in the hopes that he will uncover his mother's secrets and possibly meet his long-lost sister.
The journey to Maine evokes past insecurities for Lucy, bringing to the surface her feelings of invisibility and worthlessness that stem from her upbringing. At the same time, William's shyness and lingering conflicts with his mother, who left her first child and was emotionally detached, become prominent. When William cannot confront Lois, his sister, Lucy, steps in to meet her, uncovering Lois's feelings of resentment regarding her abandonment and exclusion from Lucy’s memoirs, which leads to Lois ultimately refusing to meet William.
After returning to New York, both Lucy and William are left to process the emotional aftermath of their journey. William briefly disappears into another fleeting relationship, while Lucy grapples with her grief and the resurfaced trauma from her past. Despite recognizing that William no longer provides the sense of protection he once did, Lucy continues to feel compassion for him, agreeing to accompany him on another trip, this time to the Cayman Islands.
If you, like me, are a fan of Lucy Barton books, you will undoubtedly want to devour this one, simply because it's Lucy. But if you need more reasons, here are a few.
Profound Exploration of Human Relationships
Oh William! offers a deep, nuanced look at the complexities of long-term relationships, especially between ex-spouses who remain connected through shared history and family. The novel centers on Lucy's enduring, complicated bond with her first husband, William, exploring themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and the ways people remain tethered to one another even after growing apart.
Masterful Character Study
Elizabeth Strout is acclaimed for her ability to create vivid, authentic characters. Lucy Barton, in particular, is rendered with such psychological depth and honesty that readers often see reflections of themselves and those they know in her struggles, insecurities, and moments of grace. Strout’s understated prose brings out the emotional undercurrents of ordinary lives, making the characters feel real and relatable.
Wisdom and Psychological Insight
The novel is rich with wisdom about the human condition. Strout delves into how childhood trauma, family dynamics, and personal history shape who we become. The narrative is filled with compassionate observations about marriage, parenthood, loneliness, and the lifelong quest for understanding oneself and others.
Elegant, Approachable Writing Style
Strout’s writing is noted for its simplicity and clarity. She uses plain language to evoke subtle, powerful emotions, making the book both accessible and deeply moving. The conversational, first-person narrative draws readers in, creating an intimate connection with Lucy’s voice.
Universal Themes
While the story is specific to Lucy and William, the themes are universal: the search for belonging, the impact of class and upbringing, the mysteries we carry within, and the resilience required to face life’s disappointments and joys. Strout’s focus on the “smallness” of daily life highlights the wonder and complexity found in ordinary experiences.
Oh William! It is both comforting and thought-provoking, offering a compassionate, honest look at what it means to be human.
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If you enjoyed Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout and are looking for similar books, you’ll likely appreciate novels that explore complex family dynamics, introspective character studies, and the quiet dramas of everyday life. Here are some highly recommended titles and authors that resonate with Strout’s style and themes:
Notable Contemporary Novels:
- The Dutch House by Ann Patchett: A deeply moving family saga centered on siblings and the house that shapes their lives, exploring memory, forgiveness, and the passage of time.
- French Braid by Anne Tyler: A perceptive, multi-generational look at a Baltimore family, marked by Tyler’s subtle humor and keen observation of domestic life.
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett: A reflective novel about family, love, and the stories that bind generations.
- Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan: A quietly powerful story set in a small Irish town, delving into moral courage and the weight of secrets.
- Foster by Claire Keegan: Another intimate novella from Keegan, focusing on a young girl’s transformative summer with foster parents.
Other Recommended Authors and Books:
- This Must Be the Place and The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell:
O'Farrell is known for emotionally rich character studies and intricate family relationships. - A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler: Tyler’s novels often focus on the subtleties of family life in small-town America.
- Plainsong by Kent Haruf: Haruf’s writing is noted for its spare style and compassionate portrayal of rural communities.
- The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo: A sweeping family saga with nuanced, authentic characters.
- A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley: Smiley’s works often examine generational conflict and the complexities of family.
- Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, by Elizabeth Taylor: Taylor’s novels are acclaimed for their insight into everyday life and relationships.
- Excellent Women by Barbara Pym: Pym’s understated wit and focus on ordinary lives make her a worthy match for Strout fans.
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