Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, £7.99

Olive Kitteridge is a retired schoolteacher in a small coastal town trying to make sense of the changes in her life as she grows older. But, whilst she is respected, she is not universally liked. Her story, and that of her family and the community around her, gradually unfolds in a series of short stories spread over fifteen years offering an intimate portrait of small town America and a woman searching for her sense of self. Olive plays a key part in some chapters yet is a mere passer by in others but the overall effect is an acutely observed, three dimensional exploration of the human heart and soul, of place and belonging.

This book will make you laugh, nod in recognition, wince in pain, and possibly shed a tear or two.

If you have an interest in people and love beautifully written stories then we cannot recommend this book highly enough.

CAROLINE REECE

WATERSTONES KENDAL