The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout

I loved this book, which is surprising since I couldn’t finish Strout’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Olive Kitteridge. Partially set in gloomy as ever Maine, the three Burgess siblings who despite their barely suppressed animosity to each other redefine/rethink what it means to be a family.

The Burgess boys, Bob and Jim, left their hometown of Shirley Falls, Maine years ago.  Living in Brooklyn, they see each other frequently but mostly from habit and the efforts of Jim’s wife. Neither speaks to their sister Susan, who still lives in Shirley Falls although she does not appear to be at home there. 

When Susan’s son gets in trouble, the siblings are forced together for the first time in years with surprising results.  

A compelling story of how family hurts and how family heals.