Oh, William by Elizabeth Strout is lauded for its profound exploration of human relationships and emotional depth, appreciating nuanced character development and evocative prose. Critics note, however, that some readers may find its introspective pace slow. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its sincere and poignant storytelling.

A reader who enjoys Oh, William by Elizabeth Strout would likely appreciate character-driven narratives and nuanced examinations of relationships. Fans of Ann Patchett’s Commonwealth or Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead would find similar appeal in Strout’s exploration of complex emotional landscapes and personal histories.

In Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout, 63-year-old, widowed writer Lucy Barton assists her ex-husband William Gerhardt as he grapples with his third wife leaving him and discovers a half-sister he never knew about. They travel to Maine to meet her, prompting Lucy to reflect on her past, her relationship with William, and their shared history.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Emotional / Nostalgic

- Oh, William! is the third novel featuring the character Lucy Barton, following My Name Is Lucy Barton and Anything Is Possible.
- The novel was a finalist for the 2022 Booker Prize, highlighting Elizabeth Strout's continued acclaim in the literary world.
- Elizabeth Strout has created a universe of interconnected characters seen throughout her works, and Oh, William! further explores these complex relationships.

**Lucy Barton**  
The 63-year-old protagonist and narrator who recounts her life experiences and relationships, offering insights into her complex family dynamics and personal growth.

**William Gerhardt**  
Lucy’s 71-year-old ex-husband who embarks on a journey with Lucy to explore his family history, revealing his struggles with past insecurities and relationships.

**Lois Bubar**  
William’s 73-year-old half-sister, who is connected to the Maine community where Lucy and William visit, offering a different perspective on family history and identity.

**Catherine Cole**  
William’s mother, whose life choices and mysterious past influence the events in William and Lucy’s journey, shedding light on family secrets and motivations.

**Wilhelm Gerhardt**  
William’s father, a former prisoner of war whose past actions and heritage play a significant role in shaping family dynamics and William’s internal struggles.

**Estelle**  
William’s third wife, an actress much younger than him, who contributes to the unfolding of the story through her actions and relationship with William.

Elizabeth Strout

Adult

Novel

Amgash

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Oh, William reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Oh, William | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Oh, William and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Oh, William

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Oh, William?

Reading Age

Book Details