“Olive, Again”...the problem? Olive Kitteridge barely makes an appearance in this follow-up novel until the end. In fact, she is not even mentioned in a few chapters, and sometimes is allowed only a sentence or two in others. Her small appearances, when she did make them, was the only bit of excitement in the book and that's because I could imagine Frances McDormand still playing this part in the mini-series on HBO, which I have yet to see.

This was truly about the super ordinary folks in small town America, in Crosby, Maine, where there’s absolutely nothing going on but only gossip because everyone knows everyone’s business. Hell, this was about me and my husband living out our lives, driving around site-seeing and checking out a new restaurant we read about in the papers (or online). My husband even says what Jack says to Olive in front of the waitress, "I guess I'll get this one"...like he always does anyway....haha...too funny!

After Henry’s death, Olive Kitteridge does get married for the 2nd time to Jack Kennison. They are both in their 70’s and widowed and very lonely. Jack later dies somewhere in there and then, unfortunately, it appears the author forgets all about Olive and introduces someone new from the town in each chapter of the book until the very last two chapters.

And I'm just gonna put this out there. Adding the story of the 8th grader house cleaner who was caught molesting her own breasts in front of an 80 year old man, and getting paid extra for it, did not add value to this novel, nor did the story of the dominatrix girl who created a documentary of sticking pins in a mans penis and pooping on others so that others can be “educated”. This did not bring any value to this style of novel what-so-ever. I'm glad I only paid $1.00 for this used copy.

In the last two chapters is where I believe the author finally got her act together. Olive is now alone and now in her 80’s and her body is failing her little bits at a time. She’s embarrassed and scared. She goes from the hospital to temporary home health care rehabilitation to self-sufficient living care in a home. The next stop, which is not too far off, is “over the bridge” to a full care nursing home until death. She’s not comfortable living with others and she’s not comfortable with her body malfunctioning. Olive has the leaky poop problem, and her one friend has the leaky bladder and both are having to wear depends. When her friend takes a fall and is all bruised up, they are afraid she will be sent “over the bridge”. Olive comes to realize the importance of a buddy system, of finally having a real friend to confide in and to watch over each other while living in this home to help each other stay there as long as possible. ( )

Elizabeth Strout is pure genius. Her sequel to Olive Kitteridge called Olive, again is so masterfully written that you languish over every word. This cynical, obstinate, and ornery character is ultimately so human and loveable you can’t wait to hear what comes out of her mouth. And that dialogue is sumptuous and surprising. Strout breathes life into speech when Olive discovers a woman her new husband had an affair with years ago “You have no idea what you’re talking about, and I would appreciate it if you left your stupid-stupid-opinions to yourself. He was a lovely man, and that snot-wot is a creep.” The way Strout wraps stories and characters in Olive’s life mostly works. Although there are some contrived out of nowhere characters that only have a passing connection to Olive are superfluous. A minor flaw in a superb novel ( )

To be frank, this is another piece for the rogue's gallery of "unnecessary sequels". The original novel, Olive Kitteridge, was a complete and satisfying entity, in no way crying out for an extension. And there's nothing new here. Strout follows the same format: a series of vaguely connected short stories, primarily linked through the appearance (sometimes tangential) of the title character. Many of the characters from the first book reappear, their lives often emptier or more defeated, yet finding hope and joy in the most mundane of moments. (I highly recommend these books as audiobooks, as the dialogue works so well in that format.)

Still, it's just such a pleasure to be in Olive's argumentative presence! So, all is forgiven, Ms. Strout.
( )

Fans of Olive Kitteridge will not be disappointed with this wonderful sequel. In fact, I enjoyed Olive, Again even more. Strout uses her signature style of seamlessly combining short, character driven stories into a novel. Strout's poignant observations on late life love, aging, death, family relations and the social challenges faced by many elderly people are so subtly and movingly rendered. Her observations are completely on point. Strout has been my favorite author for awhile now. This book merely confirmed this status as most likely permanent. ( )

I felt the story was far too slow, the characters lackluster and the plot ordinary. While I appear to be in the minority its a real yawner and not worth finishing. ( )