42 pages 1 hour read

Elizabeth Strout

Anything Is Possible

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout, a companion to her earlier novel My Name Is Lucy Barton, is a collection of interconnected short stories set primarily in the fictional town of Amgash, Illinois. Through its 10 characters, the novel explores themes of resilience, family, and identity, depicting individuals' unique journeys and their connections with one another amidst personal traumas in an ever-changing yet familiar community. Topics of sexual violence and abuse are present in the narrative.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Drawing on her nuanced storytelling, Elizabeth Strout's Anything Is Possible receives praise for its interwoven narratives and deep character exploration. Critics commend its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of small-town life. Some note a slower pace and occasional disjointedness in the plot. Overall, it's a compelling read that resonates emotionally.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Anything Is Possible?

A reader who enjoys intricate, character-driven narratives and interconnected stories will cherish Elizabeth Strout's Anything Is Possible. Fans of Alice Munro's Dear Life or Ann Patchett's Commonwealth will appreciate Strout's nuanced exploration of small-town life and the complexities of human relationships.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Relationships

Genre

American Literature

Themes

Relationships: Siblings

Relationships: Family

Emotions/Behavior: Memory