Elizabeth Strout has the unique ability to make the ordinary seem extraordinary. The characters she has created over the years are probably stereotypes in some sense since they represent typical people in a small town in Maine—a minister, lawyer, writer, police chief, schoolteacher, and others. However, the introspective conversations she creates among her characters are amazingly representative of every human being and are relatable on multiple levels.
I’ve read almost all of Strout’s books, and along with a few other authors, I feel as though I have lived my adult life and grown through some of the perspectives of Olive Kitteridge, Lucy Barton, and the Burgess men. These familiar characters all appear in Tell Me Everything. Since they are all aging, the issues of dealing with adult children, failing health, and loneliness are addressed with poise, humor, and dignity.
A central theme in this novel is “unrecorded lives.” In her nineties, Olive Kitteridge wishes to tell stories about people to Lucy Barton, a writer. Lucy listens to her stories and relays a few of her own. As they ponder the meaning of the stories, it becomes apparent that all lives are noteworthy and chance encounters with unknown people can be significant. Storytelling, so much a part of our culture, is exalted in this novel, and those who can listen and learn from others’ stories are the most likable characters.
In conversations Attorney Bob Burgess has with his brother Jim, his wife Margaret, his ex-wife Pam, his client Matt, and his friend, Lucy Barton, the reader gains tremendous insight into various personalities and human needs. There is a detailed discussion about narcissism, gaslighters, and other character traits which cause consternation. In addition, some relationships include linchpins and cycles of abuse. There are discussions of alcoholism, suicide, patricide, and matricide. Strout’s expressions when giving her characters words exemplify her understanding of the human condition. I loved when someone was referred to as a sin eater—they “eat” other people’s sins and make themselves miserable. There are numerous depictions of “broken” people, those who need a good hug and those who just need to be heard. So much of real life is conveyed in Strout’s fictional yet realistic characters.
