"Strout shows us how strange we are, and how similar, an insight verging on homily but thankfully sugar-free. She's not a minimalist, but Elizabeth Strout does more with less than any writer I can think of."
"The story begins in the summer of 2024—not in Maine, where Strout grew up, but rather in an unnamed seaside town in Massachusetts—and Donald Trump is about to be elected president for the second time."
"Artie grew up poor, married rich, worked hard, and now is grateful for his settled, comfortable life. He was, in many ways, the embodiment of the American dream."
Elizabeth Strout's 11th novel, The Things We Never Say, features relatable characters in a New England setting, exploring themes of family secrets and mental health. The story unfolds in a Massachusetts seaside town during the summer of 2024, coinciding with Donald Trump's impending re-election. The protagonist, Artie Dam, a humble high-school history teacher, embodies the American dream while promoting egalitarian values. Strout's writing style is characterized by simplicity and depth, revealing the strangeness and commonality of human experiences.
Read at The Atlantic
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