LUCY BY THE SEA, AMGASH #4, ELIZABETH STROUT

Having followed Lucy Barton through the previous books in the Amgash series—MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON, a poignant exploration of Lucy’s relationship with her mother; ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE, a collection of stories about her friends and relatives; and OH WILLIAM!, which examines her complex connection with her first husband—it felt natural to continue with LUCY BY THE SEA.

Set during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, this novel follows Lucy as she leaves behind the chaos of Manhattan and relocates to a quiet town in Maine with William, her ex-husband. Strout masterfully captures the uncertainty, fear, and isolation of that time—Lucy’s yearning to hug her daughters but being unable to is especially resonant, a familiar ache for many readers.

As Lucy processes the world around her, she also reflects on her past, her relationship with William, and the struggles her daughters face. The novel gently reveals how the pandemic’s emotional and economic toll affects individuals and relationships alike.

A pleasant surprise is the brief appearance of Olive Kitteridge—the protagonist of Strout’s 2009 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel OLIVE KITTERIDGE. Though she appears in only a scene or two, her presence adds a subtle thread of continuity to Strout’s literary universe.

What makes this novel truly memorable is its quiet strength—Strout’s prose is fluid and effortless, the storyline tender and thoughtful, and despite the grim setting, there is an undercurrent of hope that shines through, making Lucy by the Sea a beautifully contemplative read.