Amy and Isabelle

This was my first Elizabeth Strout, and I\’m looking forward to the next. The writing is precise and lyrical. Precise, in that there isn\’t a wasted word. Lyrical in that although there are few specific descriptions of places and things, you can \”see\” the rooms and settings clearly through the characters\’ dialog. The story is simple and urgently familiar to anyone who ever lived a limited life in a small town. My mental pictures as I listened were very Hopper: this is small town life, red in tooth and claw. It\’s not an easy listen but a worthwhile one. I\’m picky about narrators, and this one is pretty good. Occasionally a bit actor-ish, but generally authentic and without the overlay of her own opinions that spoils so many otherwise good audiobooks. Another reviewer called it offensive. Well, a couple of scenes are quite explicit, but that was really necessary to evoke an adolescent girl\’s ignorance in the context of her first sexual encounter. Really poignant, the way she mistakes rutting passion for romance, and without that nuance the rest of the story wouldn\’t play. 19 people found this helpful

So many have commented on the story, characters, and the writing, I would like to point out the magnificence of the narrator. She is wonderful, esp. in capturing the voice of Amy–both as the young woman struggling to live in the constricted world of her mother\’s psychological fears, emotional uncertainties, and economic worries, but also when the very young child breaks out in this teenage girl longing to know physical warmth and realize the possibility of love\’s intimacy. The amazing quality to Stephanie Roberts\’ performance is that she does not get in the way of the story; that is, at least for a woman listening to her, it as as though you are hearing your own internal voice 4 people found this helpful

A dramatic, well paced narrative centered on a hot, oppressive summer in a New England mill town. Excellent narration. This is a character driven story, and I found it quite compelling. Especially loved the \”supporting\” characters of Fat Bev and Dottie. 7 people found this helpful

Every book I listen to by Elizabeth Strout, reminds me of people I\’ve know and forgotten about, some of whom I judged before I forgot about them. At some point during every book I think of myself in various forms. The insecure me, the child me, or the judged me. I cannot read Ms. Strout without feeling empathy and compassion for the characters who inhabited my life, and for myself. She has a gift. 1 person found this helpful

4th audible book I have completed of Elizabeth Strout\’s. Deep beautiful characters – heartwrenching and heartwarming mother daughter journey. A balance of life – dark and light. Excellent narration by Stephanie Roberts. Deep brilliant writing! 1 person found this helpful

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