Abide with Me

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Strout

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

National best seller

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning, number one New York Times best-selling author of Olive Kitteridge comes a “superb” (O: The Oprah Magazine) novel that “confirms Strout as the possessor of an irresistibly companionable, peculiarly American voice.” (The Atlantic Monthly)

In the late 1950s, in a small New England town, Reverend Tyler Caskey has suffered a terrible loss and finds it hard to be the person he once was. He struggles to find the right words in his sermons and in his conversations with those facing crises of their own, and to bring his 5-year-old daughter, Katherine, out of the silence she has observed in the wake of the family’s tragedy. Tyler’s usually patient and kind congregation now questions his leadership and propriety, and accusations are born out of anger and gossip.

Then, in Tyler’s darkest hour, a startling discovery will test his parish’s humanity - and his own will to endure the trials that sooner or later test us all.

Praise for Abide with Me

“Strout’s greatly anticipated second novel...is an answered prayer.” (Vanity Fair)

“Deeply moving...In one beautiful page after another, Strout captures the mysterious combinations of hope and sorrow. She sees all these wounded people with heartbreaking clarity, but she has managed to write a story that cradles them in understanding and that, somehow, seems like a foretaste of salvation.”—The Washington Post “Graceful and moving...The pacing of Strout’s deeply felt fiction about the distance between parents and children gives her work an addictive quality.” (People)

©2006 Elizabeth Strout (P)2006 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Strout has crafted a harrowing meditation of exile on Main Street." (Publishers Weekly)

Small Town

This book is wonderful. If you have ever lived in a small community or have been a member of a small church this book rings true. The damage caused by gossip and innuendo can be devastating, The love and compassion found in these communities can be healing. Strout is one of my favorite authors, and she does not disappoint in this book. The narration is perfect.

Amazing

Heart warming and insightful, Elizabeth’s Strout’s character development is so layered and deep. This is one of her best books.

Terrible narrator for this book. I am sure she does well with other writers

As usual with this author, the characters are quite unlikable until the very end. She has a keen sense of human frailty and jealousy. Tin the end, however, all is well. Narration was abysmal

Quietly unassuming

Would you listen to Abide with Me again? Why?

I would listen to it again. It is a beautiful quiet portrayal about ordinary people in a small town, wrestling with real life issues like gossip and infidelity and grief. It hits you with its subtlety and does not let go.

Which character – as performed by Bernadette Dunne – was your favorite?

I liked the portrayal of Tyler, the minister. He wrestled with his faith and his calling, and Bernadette Dunne portrayed him well.

Any additional comments?

I normally don't like books of this type - a bit meandering with no BIG events... but Elizabeth Strout and Bernadette Dunne both did a great job and kept me hooked.

The only real downside to Bernadette Dunne's performance is that in narrative portions she would occasionally slip into a New England accent without warning. It was a bit confusing and distracting.

Overall, I would recommend this book. It is neither particularly deep nor particularly shallow, and all characters show growth in some way. I will read more of Elizabeth Strout's books.

Brilliant writing

It takes a powerful writer to render the ordinariness of our lives in such an engaging manner. Tyler Kasky is a good man who is shown to be so fully human, so vulnerable, yet so strong. Grief does not always make us stronger; it can break an individual. To live, to go on, is a choice. I love Strouts' writing and look forward to enjoying more of her books.

Seemed a bit underwhelming

Was waiting for something to move the plot along. Could have made the basis of a good read. I’m still a fan and will continue to read and recommend her books 😊

Wonderful!

This is the second time I’ve read this book but the first that I’ve listened to it. The narration was exceptional and the attention to detail made it more realistic. A wonderful story.

Brilliant, one of the best every

What did you love best about Abide with Me?

I can't begin to say enough about how wonderful Elizabeth Strout is as a writer and how well done two of her audiobooks have been. Olive Kitteridge and Abide With Me will stand out in my list of top favorites forever!!!

This is first class all the way.

Any additional comments?

I urge everyone to get this book and, in fact, any book by Elizabeth Strout.

Almost gave up, glad I hung in.Satisfying ending.

Depressing 2/3 of the way through. The last two chapters were worth the work!

Just a very good story.

This is such a joy to listen to. The narrator is excellent and Strout has written a gem. I’m not a religious person by any means but the way Strout touches the human spirit in this book, she is reaches out to us all.