This book is short listed for The National Book Award, which really surprises me. It’s not bad but it has many flaws. The central character, Artie, thinks about suicide because his life is losing its meaning for him. He and his wife, Evie, have a wonderful son who is described as still scarred from a tragedy he caused many years ago. Evie also was changed for the worse by the tragedy. The book is comprised almost entirely of relationship descriptions — Artie with family and friends, with his students. But these relationships seem incompletely explored. Why his wife treats him with such hostility, why he thinks he has no reason to live despite his very strong relationship with his son, why his attempts to engage people with is free will question never go anywhere. The storyline is great but Strout doesn’t seem that interested in probing it. And her unnamed references to the Trump presidency feel forced, like she’s venting.

I have tried and tried to like her books. I think I’m done. I’m sure she appeals to a certain type of reader but I kept waiting for…I don’t know…excitement. There were starts. I won’t spoil anyone else’s read, but, well, in my opinion, people don’t read to read about lives that mimic their own. They read for escape. One isn’t going to find it here.

Had to read this after the Booker shortlisting and seeing all the TDS reviews! Disappointed on both fronts - nothing great about the story, sentiments or writing and hardly harsh on DJT. That said, a sweet relatable story and a very quick read. Definitely a decent beach or holiday read but I’ll be shocked if it gets the Booker.

Her writing is impeccable. She seems to have a depth of understanding of the human condition that is quite remarkable. I love this book from the opening lines to the end. Maybe her best work.

The story of Artie is touching. Strout has always impressed me with her ability to develop characters and impactful relationships. However, this book disappoints because I find her presentation of President Trump and conservative politics unrealistic, tiring and plain weird. I fail to see what all of that lent to the story, except to demonstrate how people project their instabilities outward rather than looking inward. Also, I did not quite understand the subterfuge surrounding the son’s job. An attempt to show that the U.S. requires being rescued by the E.U. is seriously laughable. I finished this book because it was a book club endeavor. I have read all of Strout’s previous books, but I will be hesitant to read anything that she writes in the future.

This is a quick read . It’s a book that is totally relevant to today 2026 set in the last few years. The main character Artie Dam is a popular teacher with the ability to reach his students . This is enhanced through the dismal turmoil of what’s happening in the country and the world. Artie , at first , is a simple , wise and somewhat jovial soul. He has an unkind ungentle awakening of events in his life. Evie, his wife,his busy psychologist wife , has hidden a secret. His students especially Rhonda and Daniel, are trying to hold on to hope for their future. His extremely bright son, is overcoming his own tragedy and trying to pull his life together. Artie makes a new friend who saves him from drowning. All the while the background ,there’s the 2024 election and the swift change of American life .

Horrible - includes Trump derangement syndrome rants and inflicts authors political views on the reader - not a book I would recommend

I don’t understand the negative reviews. I absolutely loved this novel, thoroughly enjoying each and every word. I thought it was honest, fresh and reflected the world we live in.

Did not like

Must have been thrown together during the pandemic.