What do readers think of Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout? Write your own review.

Lucy and William, a long-divorced couple, leave NYC together for Maine before the pandemic lockdown. William is a scientist and appears to be aware of the necessary precautions, while Lucy is unconcerned, innocent, and naïve about what to expect. She thinks William is bring an alarmist. She is certainly not aware that her “entire life will become something new.” Changes include death, changing relationships ,and never seeing her apartment ever again.

A tale of coping, isolation, grief, forgiveness, discovery, and relationships with friends and family.

Lucy is a relatable character.

I did not read any of the …more previous books about Lucy. Perhaps reading the earlier books would boost this story?????

I was able to follow the plot of the book. It was not essential to read the earlier books.

Lots of reflection by Lucy. A touching story. (less)

Lucy Barton is a complex character as it is, then to add the pandemic to the mix complicates things even more. Many of her thoughts and actions are history for all of us. As if loneliness wasn't already a problem for many, the pandemic was like another enhancer. I felt many of her thoughts. Social isolating was horrible, just as bad as having to wear masks all the time. City dwellers wanted to move out thinking it would be safer, not so! After reading about all the marital affairs I am now curious how prevalent they were before the pandemic and after all the isolating? And the divorce rates? I liked the book, …more felt it was sad sometimes, but it was reality! (less)

I have read and loved all of Elizabeth Strout's books, but I feel she really cashed in on Covid when she wrote this book. It felt quickly thrown together with not a lot of thought except to recall all of the other books she has written. Very disappointed in this book and using Covid as a way to make money.