Oh William!: A Novel by Elizabeth Strout is a beautifully written story that centers around a small Maine town and its residents. The protagonist of the novel is William "Bill" Wyeth, a man in his sixties who has recently been widowed. He is trying to rebuild something of a life despite his grief, and he is largely successful.
At the start of the novel, Bill is struggling to come to terms with his wife's death, and he has isolated himself from the world. His daughter, Bonnie, and her family live on the other side of the country, so he has no one to talk to. The first part of the novel deals with his grief and attempts to reconnect with his family and the town of Sterling.
In the second part of the novel, Bill comes into contact with several of the other characters of Sterling: Adeline, Millie, Augie, and Fran. Adeline is Bill's neighbor and a friend of his late wife; Millie is a hairdresser in the town; Augie is a Vietnam veteran struggling with PTSD; and Fran is a young woman who works at the library. These characters provide Bill with a window into their lives and a much needed support system as he struggles to adapt to life without his wife.
Through the course of the novel, the relationships between Bill, the other characters, and the town of Sterling gradually deepen, providing moments of tenderness, joy, and resolution.
Ultimately, Oh William!: A Novel by Elizabeth Strout is a testament to the beauty of life and the connections we make along the way. Strout's lyrical prose and vivid depiction of Maine's small town life paint a picture that will remain with you long after the book is finished. Aside from being an interesting and engaging read, it's also a wonderful celebration of friendship and loyalty, reminding us of the value of those people around us.
