Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout

This book is a continuation of the story of Lucy Barton, but it can be read as a standalone. Lucy's first husband William is a scientist and has been closely following the spread of the Covid pandemic in Europe. When it starts in America, he takes Lucy out of New York to a cabin in a small town on the coast of Maine. They also urge their two grown daughters to leave, but only one does. Lucy spends her isolation reflecting on her pre-pandemic life in New York, her relationships with her parents, her concern for her family, and her grief over her second husband's death. Spending this much time with her ex brings back the odd irritations of the past, but also the comfort of the familiar. This story brings a comforting yet refreshing voice to familiar feelings that most of America shared during the lockdown.

I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.