My Name Is Lucy Barton: A Novel by Elizabeth Strout

My Name Is Lucy Barton is a 2016 novel by Elizabeth Strout. It is a story of a deeply intimate reunion between a mother and daughter whom have been estranged for decades.

The novel's main protagonist is Lucy Barton, a successful writer from New York City. Lucy's life takes an unexpected turn when one day, out of the blue, her estranged mother appears at her door. As the two reacquaint, Lucy pieces together the story of the lost time since their previous time together.

Through flashbacks of Lucy's childhood, readers gain an understanding of the strained relationship between Lucy and her family. In the past, Lucy's mother and father—both uneducated yet devoted—struggled to make ends meet. The family's financial hardships caused further stressful situations. Lucy's mother was often working tirelessly to support the household, while Lucy's father spiralled into depression. Lucy found solace in her writing and found her way to escape her hometown while her parents remain behind.

The recent reunion between Lucy and her mother gives Lucy new insights into her family's past. Despite her mother's oppressively gruff exterior, Lucy discovers a woman full of memories, tidbits and experiences. Little by little, Lucy begins to understand the unspoken language between the members of her family.

Gradually, Lucy's bond with her mother grows strong and the two begin to form a new connection. Lucy is able to look past her mother's hardness to discover a deeply compassionate and wise woman. As the story progresses, readers uncover an even deeper level of Lucy's understanding of her parents and the chain of events that led to their estrangement.

My Name Is Lucy Barton provides a reflective account of the difficulty of mother-daughter relationships. It is a compilation of overheard conversations, microscopic moments of pain and joy, and a reflection on the infinite gaps of understanding between those we love. Above all, it is a story of a woman who, under immense pressure to separate from the path of her heart, finds the courage to make a vulnerable—albeit courageous—decision: to attempt a new relationship with her mother.

Though most of the novel is highly introspective, the conversations between Lucy and her mother are laden with poignancy and soul. Elizabeth Strout presents an honest and quiet depiction of what it is to be an adult child of a devoted, though enigmatic, parent. Despite their mutual misunderstandings, My Name Is Lucy Barton emotionally touches on what it is to reach out and make a change in the relationship with our loved ones.

Full of thoughtful insight, My Name Is Lucy Barton is a moving story of a reunion between a strong-willed daughter and a fiercely devoted mother. It is a story of forgiveness and reflection, woven together with a heavy heart and an unshakable courage. A must-read for readers of Elizabeth Strout’s work, My Name Is Lucy Barton is a novel that everyone can relate to, no matter their age, sex, religion or social status.