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Olive Kitteridge: Fiction Audiobook, by Elizabeth Strout Play Audiobook Sample

Olive Kitteridge: Fiction Audiobook

Olive Kitteridge: Fiction Audiobook, by Elizabeth Strout Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Kimberly Farr Publisher: Random House Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 8.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 6.00 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: April 2019 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780593150856

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

17

Longest Chapter Length:

73:16 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

11 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

42:29 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

13

Other Audiobooks Written by Elizabeth Strout: > View All...

Publisher Description

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • The beloved first novel featuring Olive Kitteridge, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Oprah’s Book Club pick Olive, Again   “Fiction lovers, remember this name: Olive Kitteridge. . . . You’ll never forget her.”—USA Today   NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post Book World USA Today San Francisco Chronicle Chicago Tribune Seattle Post-Intelligencer People Entertainment Weekly The Christian Science Monitor The Plain Dealer The Atlantic Rocky Mountain News Library Journal   At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town of Crosby, Maine, and in the world at large, but she doesn’t always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance; a former student who has lost the will to live; Olive’s own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and her husband, Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse. As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life—sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition—its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.   The inspiration for the Emmy Award–winning HBO miniseries starring Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, and Bill Murray

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"This book is well written. BUT...it is so depressing! The town this author wrote about must be cursed. Every families' lifes are full of misery, disappointment, and despair. The author is able to cut straight into a couple's life, instantly bring their drama to the readers. That part makes the book very readable. But with one unhappy life to another, and to another in this coastal town. It gets kind of depressing."

— Jenny (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Kimberly Farr has previously narrated two other Elizabeth Strout novels, earning Earphones Awards for both. Her clear grasp of Strout’s characterizations and the flow of her delivery are, therefore, not surprising but remain praiseworthy…[an] astute retelling. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

    — AudioFile
  • “A heart-wrenching, penetrating portrait of ordinary coastal Mainers…easy to read and impossible to forget. Its literary craft and emotional power will surprise readers unfamiliar with Strout.”

    — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
  • “Anyone who gets in Olive’s way had better watch out, for she crashes unapologetically through life like an emotional storm trooper…Though loneliness and loss haunt these pages, Strout also supplies gentle humor and a nourishing dose of hope.”

    — Booklist (starred review)

Awards

  • Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award
  • Winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
  • Winner of Pulitzer Prize, 2009

Olive Kitteridge Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.6216216216216215 out of 53.6216216216216215 out of 53.6216216216216215 out of 53.6216216216216215 out of 53.6216216216216215 out of 5 (3.62)
5 Stars: 17
4 Stars: 27
3 Stars: 17
2 Stars: 11
1 Stars: 2
Narration: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 (3.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 (2.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Story Rating: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    — Kate, 3/14/2021
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A book that reminds us that our life is impacted by others and we impact those we come in contact with. "

    — B, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " What an interesting book and a great read. The characters were unique and sad and funny. Engaged intellect and emotions. "

    — Lela, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Amazing story....unforgettable primary character. I'll be thinking about Olive for years...Elizabeth Strout has written a real gem here and deserves the Pulitzer that she won for this book. Highly recommend! "

    — Sharon, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book was OK, but I was hoping for a little more. It didn't always hold my interest. "

    — Constance, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Reread this book and loved it just as much as my first reading. Beautiful, quiet prose with an amazing attention to detail. "

    — Emma, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I didn't think I would like it but I really did. Some of the stories made me cry and this book definitely made me think and feel beyond a typical set of short stories. "

    — Miriam, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Depressing. Couldn't finish it. Bummed me out so I almost threw it away. "

    — Donna, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " So beautifully written and the most honest characters I've met in a long time. LOVE this book! "

    — Lisa, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Something that I wouldn't normally read, it is a series of portraits and vignettes colored by pathos, humor, and a grudging sense of kindness. The world as seen through the eyes of Olive Kitteridge. "

    — Loren, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Depressing. And not good. I read The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling before this and that was depressing too. But it was also good. Maybe I missed something, but I didn't really see the point of this book. I would not recommend it to anyone. I'm surprised I even finished it. "

    — Brandi, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " An interesting pick for an award winning book. I enjoyed the writing style, and would recommend the book. The characters' lives are melancholy with Olive's terrible social skills and failures in all relationships the most depressing. I did recognize people that I have known in my life and if nothing else the piece teaches us how not to be with others. "

    — Brenda, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I will never forget Olive Kitteridge - the book, yes, but the main character, definitely! She is as real to me as my best friend. She breathes, laughs, curses, and says all the things "you" wish you could say! She is complex, unpredictable, and perfect! "

    — Rebecca, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book was far too sad to garner more than 3 stars. And it was a good book. "

    — Serena, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A good, quiet book. It was interesting to see the character of Olive illuminated across different stories about other characters in her town. "

    — Emily, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Fast read. Liked the format and the characters. the scenarios are very real and very raw....at least to me. "

    — Kristy, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I like her writing style. And the development of the characters. But I wish there was more interaction between the characters. I feel like I was left hanging from chapter to chapter. "

    — Janice, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I truly enjoyed each chapter/short story within the covers of this book. It took me too long to finish. Life got in the way. I think Olive is either my mother or a very close relative. Great way to spend a quiet Sunday morning. "

    — Lucia, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Quite depressing, but a good story. "

    — Jennifer, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is not your typical novel and it is certainly not a fluff read...each story within the story gave me something to think about; haunting is the one word I would use to describe this novel....these characters are the ones who you revisit in your mind over and over again.... "

    — Leslie, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Absolutely loved this novel Olive whow "

    — Eileen, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Interesting character studies. A group of short stories linked together by several main characters. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. "

    — Peggy, 12/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Very good book. Made me think about my life and how I want to live. "

    — Shannon, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I always read Elizabeth Strout. This book is the story of Olive's old age told in vignettes by those who knew her. Realistic, insightful writing. "

    — Sharon, 11/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " One of the best books I've read in years. I found it profoundly moving. "

    — Juno, 11/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Interesting link of stories of the townspeople to the main character who both inspired sympathy as well as contempt. "

    — Diane, 10/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I will never forget Olive Kitteridge - the book, yes, but the main character, definitely! She is as real to me as my best friend. She breathes, laughs, curses, and says all the things "you" wish you could say! She is complex, unpredictable, and perfect! "

    — Rebecca, 10/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved this! the characters are interesting and strong "

    — Katherine, 10/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Third star trulyt because I loved henry. otherwise, not a fan of a single character or of hoer the stories sort of, almost intersperse, but not really. Olive herself is a vile, nasty main character and I found myself saying repeatedly that I don't care about her, so why am I reading?! "

    — Theresa, 9/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " She is a great writer but I did find this book a bit of a slog, mainly because there isn't a strong narrative thread. It was almost like linked short stories. "

    — Di, 8/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Amazing. There is a little bit of Olive in each of us and Strout describes the human condition with humour and compassion. This book makes you think. "

    — Marni, 7/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Great book layered with multiple stories, both bittersweet and inspirational. "

    — Jessie, 6/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " enjoyed, but hard to get into at times. liked the ending "

    — Suzanne, 2/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was a collection of short vignettes of characters in a small Maine town, with Olive Kitteridge as the character who threads through the whole book. I really enjoyed the writing style and I found myself responding to the characters' lives with sympathy and empathy. Overall excellent book! "

    — Nancy, 1/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this story, and I wanted to give this book four stars the whole time I was reading it . . . until the end!! I wanted a little more; I needed all the ends tied together. "

    — Valerie, 12/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " So beautifully written and the most honest characters I've met in a long time. LOVE this book! "

    — Lisa, 12/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " not finishing this. Im having to read the same paragraphs over and over. "

    — Diana, 10/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Really 4.5 . I read this book in 2009(?) and still think about it occasionally. One reviewer aptly likened it to a photo album. In some photos Olive is the main subject, in some she is a blur walking past but all add up to a full portrait. It is one of my favorite books and deserves a reread. "

    — Carol, 9/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " WONDERFUL!!!! 1 OF THE BEST BOOKS I EVER READ! IT'S SHORT STORIES AND THERE ARE NO NEAT, TIDY ENDINGS BUT WHAT A FABULOUSLY WRITTEN BOOK! "

    — Sarah, 7/6/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " My favorite short story collection ever--usually, I'm more of a novel person, but this one had me just turning the pages, completely hooked. I love how human the characters are. I love them, period. "

    — Nicole, 5/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Gorgeous writing! The characters of this Maine town are such a visceral experience through this author's deft hand. A brilliant character study. "

    — Andrea, 4/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Dark stories but true enough. Believable; although I have to hope that getting older is better than that. I gave it three stars because it did have some humor and she wrote well enough to keep me engaged. "

    — Claire, 4/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Oh Olive, you broke my heart. Such characters. The structure with very little character intersection was something I hadn't come across before. Olive as the one link was a unique devise. Still, my jury is out. She is a tough character to love. "

    — Margaret, 3/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I listened to the audio book and couldn't make it past the first CD. Maybe it was just the person reading it, but I felt like I was listening to On Golden Pond without the sense of humor. "

    — Brigid, 3/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Found this book in the lending library at Camp.... depressing in a way, but made me chuckle multiple times. I was hooked after the 2nd chapter. Perhaps it made me uncomfortable, wondering if there is some "Olive" in my parenting of my only child. Jeez, let's hope not too much! "

    — Kristin, 3/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Profiles of various people all revolving around Olive. Sometimes she is a sentence or two, sometimes the whole chapter. Good writing, but a Pulitzer winner? "

    — Joanne, 1/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Superb read. I highly recommend. I'm wordless when it comes to Strout. Simply waiting for her next novel with bated breath. "

    — Elizabeth, 1/6/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " i kind of want to give it one. Couldn't stand any of the characters. "

    — Amie, 12/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Spectacular collection of short stories ... Some more engrossing than others all centered around a cranky New England woman. Loved it! "

    — Sara, 12/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Thought-provoking. <br/>This is a novel in stories. We are shown Olive through the perspective of her own and other people's lives. So thought-provoking that I'm on my second time through. "

    — Marianna, 11/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Some of the stories seemed kind of pointless, but others were quite gripping. Olive becomes a much more sympathetic character as the book progresses. "

    — John, 11/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " While the book is well written, I felt the stories were a little disjointed. I couldn't really connect with the main character. "

    — Kathy, 11/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " <br/>Stayed with me, Olive Kitteredge is a wonderful character. Some truths about life. Worth reading. "

    — Christine, 11/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Was good - somewhat somber with strong psychological themes. Olive Kitteridge is definitely an interesting character! "

    — Marikka, 11/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is great story telling. Felt very true to a small New England town and it's characters. I appreciated it more the second read after hearing from my book club and their intelligent insights. <br/> "

    — Ginny, 11/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved this book. The author delves into the hidden thoughts and emotions of life that are present and often not talked about. Insightful, well written. "

    — Carol, 11/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I had a hard time getting into the story as I kept wondering what I was missing. If it wouldn't have been a Pulitzer winner, I am not sure I would hae finished it. Still thinking that I may read it again to see what I missed. "

    — Jan, 10/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved. LOVED. Am sad it's over. "

    — Stephanie, 10/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Not good, not bad, just whatever. Time filler "

    — Lesliek, 10/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Really well-written stories. Really depressing though. "

    — Erin, 10/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " If this is what's getting the Pulitzer nowadays, I'm sticking to the Nobels. "

    — M.cornelis, 10/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book was slow at times but eventually picked up the pace about half way through. Overall I enjoyed the read and found Olive to be a strange and sad personality. "

    — Ruthie, 7/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It was pretty good... I liked the concept of one character connecting a bunch of short stories into one cohesive book. Not the best book I ever read, but it was fun. "

    — Shannon, 5/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Beautifully written but very depressing. Not something to read if you want a positive view of life. I commend the author's concept of having these short stories tied together through the main character of Olive. However, this book left me emotionally tired. "

    — Heather, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Didn't get it. I think you have to be from Maine to appreciate this one. "

    — Roadrunner, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Somber yet compelling. She beautifully weaves together the lives of a small town community. "

    — Sara, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Thought provoking, life changing, sad-a great testimony to the human condition. Loved it. "

    — Cindywalter, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " You didn't always love olive, but I loved this book. Great characters, intertwined plots. <br/> "

    — Helen, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Not that exciting, but good lessons for Olive. "

    — Thedesertrocks, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I don't remember much about this book, except that it was OK. It was not horrible; it was not my favorite. "

    — Amy, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This books main character was tough to like, but the book made you see things that she didn't even see about herself. At times I kept thinking, &quot;this is going to be very depressing&quot;, but there are some great, funny moments and the ending is great and show hope in a new light. "

    — Tiffany, 5/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Fabulous book. Great insight into the human mind and heart. It can be hard to realize that you have to love yourself for who you are. You are doing your best. "

    — Cheryl, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Olive Kitteridge, Gilead &amp; Out Stealing Horses are really preparing me for getting older. "

    — Danielle, 5/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Not a big fan. I can't really get into books that are depressing without any sense of redemption. I realize that includes a lot of books! I gave it two stars because the writing is good, and I was interested enough in the stories to read the whole thing. But I regret it, so 1.5. :) "

    — Kristie, 5/11/2011

About Elizabeth Strout

Elizabeth Strout is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous award–winning novels, including Olive Kitteridge, winner of the Pulitzer Prize. She has also won the Story Prize, the Los Angeles Times Art Seidenbaum Award, and the Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize. She has been a finalist for the Booker Prize, PEN/Faulkner Award, and the Orange Prize in London.

About Kimberly Farr

Kimberly Farr is an actress and winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards for narration. She has appeared on Broadway and at the New York Shakespeare Festival, the Roundabout Theatre, Playwright’s Horizons, and the American Place. She created the role of “Eve” in Arthur Miller’s first and only musical, Up from Paradise, which was directed by the author. She appeared with Vanessa Redgrave in the Broadway production of The Lady from the Sea and has acted in regional theaters across the country, including a performance in the original production of The 1940’s Radio Hour at Washington, DC’s Arena Stage.