Why is Strout so popular? – Biography
Elizabeth Strout is a novelist and author from the United States well-known for both her descriptive characterisation and literary fiction works. Her early experiences served as the basis for her novels; four of her nine books are set in the fictional town of “Shirley Falls, Maine.” She was born and reared in Portland, Maine.
How old is Strout? Age
The novelist is 68 years old as of 6 January 2024. She was born in 1956 in Portland, Maine, United States.
Strout Family – Education
Strout grew up in Durham, New Hampshire, and a few tiny Maine villages after being born in Portland, Maine. Her mother taught writing in a local high school in addition to being a professor of English. Her father was a physics professor. Following her year-long studies at law school, she studied for another year at Oxford, England, after receiving her degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. She graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in 1982 with honors, earning a J.D. Her debut tale appeared in New Letters magazine that same year.
How long has Strout been married? Husband – Daughter
Elizabeth has been married to James Tierney, the former attorney general of Maine since 2011. James is also the founder of State AG, an educational resource about the office of state attorney general, and a law lecturer at Harvard Law School. She splits her time between Brunswick, Maine, and New York City. Zarina Shea, Strout’s daughter, is a dramatist.
Abide with Me
Elizabeth’s book, the 2006 book Abide with Me was published on March 14, 2006 by Random House the book. The story centers on a religious leader who is grieving the loss of his wife. The story takes place in a small New England village in the 1950s. J.D. Strout’s book Abide with Me was met with mixed reviews from critics. The novel’s hopeful finale, which offers a way out for suffering readers, was highly acclaimed by The Washington Post in addition to its somber tone. The amiable, American voice of Strout was appreciated by The Atlantic Monthly, although Publishers Weekly pointed out that the happy conclusion is given far too quickly.
However, Kirkus Reviews panned the book, claiming that the narrator’s folksy tone does not enliven the depressing plot and that most characters are confused and unhappy. Overall, it’s like listening to a slightly irascible maiden aunt regale you with gossip about the area. All in all, the book provides a terrifying contemplation of being banished to Main Street.
![Elizabeth Strout together with her husband James Tierney](https://biographyscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Elizabeth-Strout-together-with-her-husband-James-Tierney-1.jpg)
The Burgess Boys
The fourth book written by American author Elizabeth Strout is titled The Burgess Boys (2013). Random House initially released the book in hardcover on March 26, 2013. The plot centers on two brothers who, when their sister’s kid is charged with a hate crime, had to go back home to support her. The first book by Strout, Amy and Isabelle, is set in the imaginary New England town of Shirley Falls, where the current book is situated.
Jim and Bob Burgess left their Shirley Falls, Maine, home after the death of their father to pursue law careers in New York City. Bob became a Legal Aid attorney, and Jim became a wealthy business lawyer. When their sister Susan contacts them for assistance after her son Zach is suspected of perpetrating a hate crime against the Somali community, their friendship is put to the test. Tensions develop as the siblings get back in touch; Bob is annoyed by Jim’s taunting, and Susan doesn’t like her identical sister. But Jim discovers that he is taking his family life for granted and opening up about his history.
The Burgess Boys has received favorable reviews. Author Sylvia Brownrigg gave the book a positive review in her piece for The New York Times, noting that “Strout handles her storytelling with grace, intelligence, and low-key humor, demonstrating a great ear for the many registers in which people speak to their loved ones.” Zach is a drawback in this situation since he is mostly off-stage even though he is the driving force behind it.” The work received praise from The Washington Times as well, noting that Strout “has a gift for straightforward storytelling and original turns of phrase, coupled with insight into the human heart and psyche.”