What a gem. I didn't want this book to end, but even the ending was perfect.
Linda Olsson has written a small novel of amazing depth and beauty. Things are described in simple yet profound ways, much in the same style as the conversation between the two characters. Both Astrid and Veronika are in pain, and both thought that isolation was the only way of dealing with it. When they find each other, though, a similar chord is struck in each and they piece together a friendship and trust slowly and methodically. Each has a story to tell which comes out slowly and in small bits, and each story will break your heart. But each story also makes each woman who she is--strong, loving and beautiful.
This is a book about connection and transformation. It is beautifully written and will stay with me forever.
"Women of a certain age" will often surprise you. They've earned the right to have strong opinions, to love as they choose and to do what they want. Mary is fed up with people telling her how to live her life and this funny, warm novel shows you how lively older women can be. It may not appeal to everyone, but I found it incredibly funny and I want to "grow up" to be just like Mary.
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A book of pure, rich and evolving character. Strout has given us a look inside another person's soul through various character's views of Olive Kitteridge.
I've often told friends that I would actually know myself best if I could do "personality triangulation"--see myself through the eyes of friends and people who know me. The stories in this book reflect many aspects of Olive Kitterage--both good and bad. The reader gets to see how much she loves her son, and how much damage he feels she's done to him. You see her many kindnesses to former students, and her harsh opinions about people she encounters. Ultimately, Olive is like all of us, a mixture of good and bad, annoying and inspiring. I loved "finding" her and her path through life in each story. It was the best sort of scavenger hunt. I love authors who show rather than tell, and Elizabeth Strout has done that exceptionally well.
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Kate Maloy has written a story off loss and survival following loss. Maybe "thriving" is a better word than survival. Sarah, the main character, survives the loss of her husband, and finds room in her heart and home for others who need healing of their own. Well and thoughtfully written.
This is one of the funniest novels I've ever read. Anyone who's loved a dog will be able to hear their dog's thoughts in this book. I always knew my dogs thought I was a bit of a dolt, but it's endearing that they love me, despite that. Wonderful story of a human who screws up her life repeatedly and the dogs who talk to her.
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Barbara Stone has commented on (8) products.
Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson
Barbara Stone, July 29, 2008
What a gem. I didn't want this book to end, but even the ending was perfect.Linda Olsson has written a small novel of amazing depth and beauty. Things are described in simple yet profound ways, much in the same style as the conversation between the two characters. Both Astrid and Veronika are in pain, and both thought that isolation was the only way of dealing with it. When they find each other, though, a similar chord is struck in each and they piece together a friendship and trust slowly and methodically. Each has a story to tell which comes out slowly and in small bits, and each story will break your heart. But each story also makes each woman who she is--strong, loving and beautiful.
This is a book about connection and transformation. It is beautifully written and will stay with me forever.
No! I Don't Want to Join a Book Club: Diary of a Sixtieth Year by Virginia Ironside
Barbara Stone, April 16, 2008
"Women of a certain age" will often surprise you. They've earned the right to have strong opinions, to love as they choose and to do what they want. Mary is fed up with people telling her how to live her life and this funny, warm novel shows you how lively older women can be. It may not appeal to everyone, but I found it incredibly funny and I want to "grow up" to be just like Mary.(0 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Olive Kitteridge: Fiction by Elizabeth Strout
Barbara Stone, April 16, 2008
A book of pure, rich and evolving character. Strout has given us a look inside another person's soul through various character's views of Olive Kitteridge.I've often told friends that I would actually know myself best if I could do "personality triangulation"--see myself through the eyes of friends and people who know me. The stories in this book reflect many aspects of Olive Kitterage--both good and bad. The reader gets to see how much she loves her son, and how much damage he feels she's done to him. You see her many kindnesses to former students, and her harsh opinions about people she encounters. Ultimately, Olive is like all of us, a mixture of good and bad, annoying and inspiring. I loved "finding" her and her path through life in each story. It was the best sort of scavenger hunt. I love authors who show rather than tell, and Elizabeth Strout has done that exceptionally well.
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
Every Last Cuckoo by Kate Maloy
Barbara Stone, February 3, 2008
Kate Maloy has written a story off loss and survival following loss. Maybe "thriving" is a better word than survival. Sarah, the main character, survives the loss of her husband, and finds room in her heart and home for others who need healing of their own. Well and thoughtfully written.Walking in Circles Before Lying Down by Merrill Markoe
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1-5 of 8 nextBarbara Stone, January 23, 2008
This is one of the funniest novels I've ever read. Anyone who's loved a dog will be able to hear their dog's thoughts in this book. I always knew my dogs thought I was a bit of a dolt, but it's endearing that they love me, despite that. Wonderful story of a human who screws up her life repeatedly and the dogs who talk to her.(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)