Book Review: ‘Tell Me Everything’ by Elizabeth Strout

Book Title: Tell Me Everything
Author: Elizabeth Strout
Publisher: Viking
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-0241634356
Date Published: Sept. 19, 2024
Price: INR 577

Book Review

Elizabeth Strout brings together some of her most beloved characters in “Tell Me Everything“, an emotional exploration of friendship, personal growth, and the power of storytelling. This novel, which serves as the fifth ‘Lucy Barton’ book, third ‘Olive Kitteridge’ book, and second ‘Burgess Boys’ book, delivers a unique crossover experience for Strout’s longtime fans. Familiar faces like Olive, Lucy, and Bob take center stage, drawing readers into their reflective and intimate lives, while sharing stories about the people and places that shaped them.

The plot revolves around Bob Burgess, a retired lawyer who is struggling with his own self-perception. Bob has never been very self-aware, but his blossoming friendship with Lucy Barton allows him to see himself in a more positive, forgiving perspective. Bob and Lucy stroll along Crosby, Maine’s shoreline, sharing intimate conversations, family news, and secrets, bringing peace and understanding to one another. Through these discussions, Bob gradually comes to accept himself as the intelligent, kind-hearted man he is.

While Bob’s journey is central to the novel, Strout also weaves in the vibrant voices of Lucy Barton and Olive Kitteridge. Their periodic chats, filled with stories of “unrecorded lives” — ordinary people facing loss, love, and loneliness — add a poignant, sometimes gossipy layer to the narrative. Though this framing device may feel distracting to some, it’s classic Strout: tender, introspective, and full of emotional depth. However, it can be a bit polarizing, as the conversations between Lucy and Olive occasionally shift focus away from Bob’s more compelling storyline.

Author Strout’s trademark style shines through in “Tell Me Everything“, blending sparse, homey narration with moments of raw, emotional intensity. As Bob grapples with his relationships — with his brother, his ex-wife, and even his childhood trauma — readers witness a deeply nuanced character development. His boiling frustrations, usually hidden beneath his calm demeanor, erupt in unexpected moments, adding a new dimension to his laid-back persona. It’s these emotional layers that make Bob such an unforgettable character, and his evolution throughout the novel is one of its highlights.

Check out our Latest Book Reviews

For long-time fans of Elizabeth Strout, “Tell Me Everything” is a heartfelt reunion with characters they’ve come to love. While the book may not be the best entry point for new readers, those familiar with Strout’s world will relish the intricate connections and tender moments shared between Lucy, Bob, and Olive. It’s a bittersweet, thought-provoking novel about the importance of being heard, being remembered, and, ultimately, being seen for who we truly are.

Books are love!

Get a copy now!