Elizabeth Strout’s newest work focuses on Lucy Barton, her ex husband, William, and the pandemic. It is March of 2020 and William, because he is a scientist, knows before most that the world will be turned upside down very soon. He finds a house in rural Maine and strongly urges Lucy to leave her New York City apartment and move with him. Lucy by the Sea describes Lucy’s experiences, thoughts, insights and flashbacks during this traumatic time.

I know that Elizabeth Strout’s writing style and characters are not for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed most of her novels. For me, reading Lucy by the Sea felt like chatting with a good friend. Like a good friend, Lucy Barton is caring, thoughtful and honest.