Book 53 Olive Kittridge** by Elizabeth Strout

I found this book quite interesting and I enjoyed it, but I don't view it in the prize winning league, although Strout is a winner of the Pullitzer Prize.   I am still wondering why.  Is it too American?   Was I comparing to just finished Reading by Lightning, which is far superior?   Was it derivative?  I kept thinking of Mr and Mrs Bridge or Henry James. 

The structure is 13 short stories, in which Olive Kittridge, a school teacher, plays some role.   Structure wise, the book is original and it works well, but in other respects was not new.  Strout actually states her theme as showing human endurance, which isn't exactly a new idea.  

Olive Kittridge is an abrasive character and it is quite interesting how she sees herself and how others see her.   That is best thing about the book.   Unfortunately, most of the book is about other periferal people and Olive is not explored quite enough to be satisfying.   

I don't really believe the characters --- there weren't many pings of recognition of myself or other people.   The location details are familiar (small local businesses replaced by chains, everybody driving every where, everybody eating junk food), but there is no local identity for Crosby Maine, except the ocean, which plays a very minor role.  The same small town could be located any where.   The fact that most of the residents never leave the area is common, but there are usually more people with more sophistication in every town.   The book provides an reason why so many young people leave small towns and rarely return to visit. 

Strout's writing style is plain and straightforward, not contrived, and not noticeable.   Use of the language is not a feature.