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.

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.

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.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Emotional / Nostalgic

Elizabeth Strout

Adult

Novel

Amgash

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Anything Is Possible reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Anything Is Possible | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Anything Is Possible and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Anything Is Possible Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Anything Is Possible Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Anything Is Possible Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

Anything Is Possible Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Anything Is Possible Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Anything Is Possible Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Anything Is Possible Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Anything Is Possible Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Anything Is Possible Essay Topics

Anything Is Possible

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Anything Is Possible?

Reading Age

Book Details