Oh William by Elizabeth Strout is a short novel that packs a big punch.
Oh William Synopsis
In this third novel, we follow Lucy Barton, later in her life, as she reflects on her relationships with her family and her first husband, William.
Not long after the passing of Lucy’s second husband, Lucy ends up offering her support to William when he receives some surprising news. William discovers he has a long-lost relative that his mother had never previously mentioned. The pair go on a trip to try to reconnect with this newly found relative.
Thoughts
This book is a short one – it’s comprised of two chapters and is told entirely from Lucy’s perspective. It’s easy to finish in one sitting. There is not much plot, but it was nice to float along with Lucy’s narrative.
I thought there were some great insights on childhood trauma and how the effects of that can carry on into adulthood. One example is how Lucy’s abusive upbringing left her uncertain on how she was supposed to behave “correctly” in her new social sphere as an adult.
The second half of the novel is when I became invested in Lucy’s story. Lucy’s relationship with William after their divorce was both sweet, funny, and slightly painful.
Overall, I enjoyed this conclusion to the Amgash series. I only wish there was more of it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the arc in exchange for my honest opinions.
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