Literary
Olive Kitteridge
Thirteen linked stories set in a small Maine town, each touching in some way on a blunt, difficult retired maths teacher. Over time we see her as neighbour, mother and wife, and she becomes more than a sharp tongue.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2008
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 290
- Format
- Book 1 of 2 in Olive Kitteridge
Read this if you like precise, compassionate short fiction about ordinary people and what they hide.
Skip this if you want a single plot; it works as a novel in stories, with many shifting perspectives.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Olive Kitteridge
- What is Olive Kitteridge about?
- Thirteen linked stories set in a small Maine town, each touching in some way on a blunt, difficult retired maths teacher. Over time we see her as neighbour, mother and wife, and she becomes more than a sharp tongue.
- Who should read Olive Kitteridge?
- Read it if you like precise, compassionate short fiction about ordinary people and what they hide. Skip it if you want a single plot; it works as a novel in stories, with many shifting perspectives.
- How long and how fast is Olive Kitteridge?
- It is a slow-paced, short read of about 290 pages, first published in 2008.
- Does Olive Kitteridge have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Suicide, Death, Grief.
- Can I borrow Olive Kitteridge for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Olive Kitteridge; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Olive Kitteridge?
- Readers who liked it often move on to A Man Called Ove, The Hours, The Remains of the Day.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Olive Kitteridge
-
A Man Called Ove Another prickly older person whose gruffness hides a lot of feeling, though in a funnier and more consoling book.
-
The Hours
Another subtle exploration of unhappy lives that rewards slow, attentive reading.
-
The Remains of the Day
Another study of a person looking back at how pride and restraint cost them something important.
Literary
