In this latest installment of character Lucy Barton, Elizabeth Strout returns us to the beginning of the global upheaval when we were all “pandemic babies.” It feels a bit like a journal of events, a journal of the experience. Lucy comments as a voice-over on the happenings to include reflections, feelings and lessons.

For some, it may be too soon to live through it again. It feels familiar: sometimes in an upsetting way and sometimes in a “oh we’ve learned a lot since then” way. And, let’s face it, some people are OVER the whole thing.

I enjoyed spying Ms. Strout’s characters from many of her novels in this one; readable even if you’ve not read any of her other works. (And I recommend pretty much everything she’s written.)

Lucy’s is a haunting, strange, wonder-filled voice.

5/5 stars