Really liked it

Elizabeth Strout's fluid style captures the complex relationship of a mother and daughter coming-of -age in Maine. I must note that the scene in which Mother angrily chops off her daughter's hair seems to be directly lifted from "Mommie Dearest"; whether Strout is aware of this is unknown. Otherwise, a nice read.

This remarkable novel highlights the darkest and most brilliant moments of a mother-daughter relationship that withstand the personal and interpersonal growth of two beautiful women and the community/family that accompanies them on their journey.

I could not put this book down. All the characters in the book were believable and the reader could feel their pain and sorrow. The author described feelings and emotions of the characters so well. Excellent!