@bookstodon

The things we never say
by
Elizabeth Strout

A new Strout is always a treat and this one is no exception.

It's 2024. Artie is in his late fifties and is thinking about his life, about free will (does it exist?) and the changes in his country with the re-election of Trump. Meanwhile his daily life goes on with his wife and son, his boat, his students, friends and neighbours. He loves them, but it seems impossible to really know them.

The strength of Strout's writing is that she doesn't need spectacular developments. Her characters are wonderful and I loved the slightly sad mood.

Longlisted for this year's Booker Prize.