Tell Me Everything

In this book, Strout (Lucy by the Sea) returns to the fictitious town of Crosby, ME, and brings back characters from her previous works. The relationship of Bob Burgess, a lawyer in Crosby, and Lucy Barton, a famous author who moved to the town with her ex-husband, takes center stage. Readers will discover secrets, romantic longings, and grim histories. Olive Kitteridge makes a guest appearance and acts as a sounding board for Lucy. There are deaths by suicide, murder, child sexual abuse, unwanted pregnancies, a substance use disorder, abandonment, and unconsummated love. Strout describes her characters’ battles, missteps, and failures with great compassion and sensitivity. Personal interactions demonstrate the importance of attending to and understanding one another. Maine itself provides more than just a setting for events, and people internalize its beauty.