Monday, September 26, 2022

Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout

February 8, 2022

Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout

Lucy Barton's ex-husband William has always been a mystery to her. A college professor, they had been married 20 years and had two daughters when William told her that he had met a younger woman and wanted a divorce. Lucy knew that William had had other affairs during their marriage but agreed to a divorce. Nevertheless, the two remained close because of their children. When William's second marriage falls apart (he comes home to find their apartment stripped and his second wife and daughter gone - serves him right), the first person he calls is Lucy, and she helps him get his life back together. When William discovers a family secret, he asks Lucy to take a trip with him to investigate.

Strout wrote two previous books about these same characters, and I enjoy her exploration of their marriage and also their post-marriage lives. I think the two other books are stronger, or at least, this is my least favorite, probably because William doesn't treat Lucy very well, yet she is always there for him. The next book about these same two people, Lucy by the Sea, is coming out mid-2022.

No comments:

Post a Comment