Tell Me Everything

That’s the title of a new book by Elizabeth Strout.

I, like many, have read her thoughtful books through the years.    We, her readers, have gotten to know her characters:  Olive Kitteridge, Lucy Barton, and William.   In this new book, she’s brought them all together for the first time.  And, perhaps, for the last time.  One never knows with Ms. Strout.

Now, I don’t know who does the “underlinings” in the E-books editions, but they do a good job of bringing important themes and thoughts to the reader’s attention.  And there’s a very strong theme to be found in this book.  It is, quite simply, communication and connection.  Between old friends and potential new ones.  Absent those elements, what’s it all about?  Why bother?

In an early chapter, Stout says: “People do not care, except for maybe one minute.  It’s not their fault, most just cannot really care past their own experiences.”

That’s depressing. Happily, it’s not always the case.  And, we thank our lucky stars for those occasions.  But when it does happen, when there’s no real engagement, no connection, no shared interest, it’s just plain sad.

All of that reminds me of a simple quote I saw many years ago when we were at MassMOCA.  It said: “A friend is someone who asks the second question.”

I still love that.  I think Elizabeth Strout would, too.