In this post, I share my thoughts on Elizabeth Strout’s latest Maine novel, report on seeing a powerful and timely play, and share a tidbit about dinner at a very local eatery.
MAINE LIVES
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
Sharing individual’s stories and lives through the seasons, Elizabeth Strout’s latest novel, Tell Me Everything, returns to Crosby, Maine, and a cast of familiar characters. Olive Kittredge is now 90 and still crochety and direct, while novelist Lucy Barton is her friend and recipient of Olive’s tales. Lucy lives with her ex-husband, William, but meets Bob Burgess regularly for long walks and talks.
Attorney Bob still does some legal work and is married to his second wife, Margaret, pastor at the local church. When Matt Beach’s mother, a former teacher and the butt of her students’ cutting humor, is murdered, Matt is the primary suspect. Bob Burgess takes the case and slowly unravels that family’s history and relationships.
While Olive, Lucy, and Bob are the central figures, their spouses, families, and friends are integral to the various stories being shared. It’s a peek into smalltown life and a depiction of regret, grief, and love that almost everyone experiences to some degree.
“Oh” seems to be Strout’s favorite word as it’s regularly voiced, “Oh, Bob, “oh, Lucy,” anytime someone is subdued, hurting, or unsure. Despite its overuse, I still found things to like about this novel. It isn’t my favorite Strout book but engaging enough to keep me reading. (~JWFarrington)
THOUGHT-PROVOKING DRAMA
What the Constitution Means to Me (Playmakers Repertory Company, Chapel Hill)
Heidi Schreck’s play, What the Constitution Means to Me, is a powerful piece of drama. One might think, given its very relevant content, that it was just created. In fact, it was first presented on Broadway in 2019 and was nominated for two Tony Awards. It had runs across the country and was named Best Play of the Year by the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and other publications.
Two characters dominate the first two-thirds of the play set in 1998, Heidi recreating her 15-year-old self and the Legionnaire who is MC of a contest about the U.S. Constitution. What starts out as some factual questions on the specific sections of the document quickly devolves into Heidi’s reflections on the rights that are or are not granted to women, Blacks, and others. She shifts into the present and digresses on the lives of her mother and her grandmother and their experiences of abusive men. She then shares some of her own life choices.
Later, both characters transition to the present, and there is a live debate between actress Julie Gibson and high school senior Amari Bullett. The audience is encouraged to react to what’s being said, and one person is chosen to be the deciding judge.
We found the opening 15 minutes setting up the contest to be drawn out and verging on tedious. However, once Heidi got immersed in her family and how individuals’ rights are limited, we were fully engaged. Playmakers is based at UNC, and performances run through November 3rd. Well worth seeing!!
DINING OUT
Istanbul Restaurant & Cafe, Cary
Istanbul is literally right outside our door, and we had been meaning to try it. We went for an early dinner and were very pleased. I ordered the chicken shish kebab which came with bulghur and a mixed salad. The Chief Penguin had the adana kebab (chopped lamb and beef with spices) which also was accompanied by bulghur and salad. The portions were generous and tasty.
We were tempted by the fried calamari but will try that appetizer on another visit. While Istanbul does not have a liquor license, they were happy to provide glasses for wine. Open for lunch and dinner and takeout seven days of the week. Recommended!
Note: All unattributed photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
