Lucy by the Sea: Book summary and reviews of Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout

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anita r

unexpected surprises
I really liked and enjoyed reading Lucy By The Sea. Not at all complicated and was easy reading. Lucy was a bit manipulative but managed to get what she wanted. I personally think the author took Covid too far....I guess there would not be a story if she did otherwise. William was a little off-putting but still I liked his character, I do like the way the author phrases....to the point and short paragraphs. Now I will read O William and get a better handle on who William is.

Cathryn Conroy

A Lovely, Heartfelt, and Deeply Endearing Story That Is the Literary Equivalent of a Comfy Blanket
Oh, I just want to hug this book!

This is a lovely, heartfelt, deeply endearing story about the Covid lockdown as experienced by one of Elizabeth Strout's most beloved characters, Lucy Barton. And while each of us has our own unique story to tell about this unsettling time, somehow Lucy manages to speak for many of us about the isolation, fear, uncertainties, anxieties, disruption, and political unrest, as well as the newfound friendships, love, and personal growth that defined 2020 and 2021.

It's March 2020 and this strange, fearsome virus is making its presence known. Lucy is still reeling from the death a year ago of her beloved second husband, David, when her first husband, William, calls her and tells her in no uncertain terms that he is whisking her away from New York City to the wilds of coastal Maine to save her life. Lucy is confused. Figuring that William's odd trip to Maine with her in tow will last a few weeks at most, she packs only one small suitcase. The two rent a house and set up platonic housekeeping, while also trying to rescue their two married daughters, who live in New York City.

The heart and soul of the story is how Lucy and William adjust to the isolation, make new friends, and discover new things about themselves as individuals and each other as a couple. In addition to dealing with grief for those close to them who die of Covid, Lucy wrestles with being the mother to grown-up daughters who don't particularly need her, as well as horrifying memories of her terrible, abusive childhood.

But the most brilliant parts of the book are how Strout addresses the disparities of the lockdown—the ultimate haves vs. the have nots, as well as the vast and stark political differences of the country. Her prose should be read by everyone for a greater understanding of how "the other" thinks—no matter who "the other" is for you.

Written in Lucy's first-person voice, this ingenious novel reminds me of two friends conversing about the details of their day. It is filled with both joy and sorrow, and at times it is brutally raw with human emotion.

A really fun bonus: Characters from other Strout novels make appearances big and small, including Bob Burgess from "The Burgess Boys" and Olive Kitteridge from the "Olive Kitteridge" and "Olive, Again." While you can totally appreciate "Lucy by the Sea" as a standalone book without having read any of the others before it (it is fourth in the "Lucy Barton" series), it's a much richer experience if you know what comes previously.

This novel resonates with wisdom, insights, and a deep, almost visceral, understanding of what it means to be fully human. Reading this book is the literary equivalent of a soft, comfortable blanket. It will make you feel warm and good all over, knowing that even though we all felt so alone and lonely at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, we are not alone and lonely. We still have each other. And we still have Lucy Barton.

CarolT

The pandemic
Elizabeth Strout does it again, walking us through what the pandemic meant to those who could protect themselves early on. As always, the characters feel like someone I might actually know.

Margot P

Crazy times
3.5 I enjoy how Elizabeth Strout takes ordinary folks and makes their stories extraordinary. In this one Lucy is in lockdown during the pandemic with William her ex. Having so much time of her hands makes Lucy particularly philosophical (IOW-annoying) but still makes for a good story. She comes across as caring yet a bit narcissistic, but I suppose fear and the unknown can do that to anyone. I did not think the graphic description of an example of police brutality was necessary and it really did not fit in with the style of the novel. I enjoy the Lucy books, but she is no Olive K!

Bookworm Becky

Relationships
Lucy and William, a long-divorced couple, leave NYC together for Maine before the pandemic lockdown. William is a scientist and appears to be aware of the necessary precautions, while Lucy is unconcerned, innocent, and naïve about what to expect. She thinks William is bring an alarmist. She is certainly not aware that her “entire life will become something new.” Changes include death, changing relationships ,and never seeing her apartment ever again.

A tale of coping, isolation, grief, forgiveness, discovery, and relationships with friends and family.

Lucy is a relatable character.

I did not read any of the previous books about Lucy. Perhaps reading the earlier books would boost this story?????

I was able to follow the plot of the book. It was not essential to read the earlier books.

Lots of reflection by Lucy. A touching story.

Rutheh

Pandemic Thoughts
Lucy Barton is a complex character as it is, then to add the pandemic to the mix complicates things even more. Many of her thoughts and actions are history for all of us. As if loneliness wasn't already a problem for many, the pandemic was like another enhancer. I felt many of her thoughts. Social isolating was horrible, just as bad as having to wear masks all the time. City dwellers wanted to move out thinking it would be safer, not so! After reading about all the marital affairs I am now curious how prevalent they were before the pandemic and after all the isolating? And the divorce rates? I liked the book, felt it was sad sometimes, but it was reality!

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