Outline By Rachel Cusk

 

Outline

By Rachel Cusk

Outline tells the story of Faye, a writer staying in a rented apartment in Athens while teaching a writing workshop. On the way she gets into a conevrsation with one of her seatmates, learning deep things about his failed marriages, and the two reconnect after landing. She goes on boat trips with him where he eventually professes attraction toward her, an attraction she does not reciprocate, thus ending, for her, their friendship.

During her stay she hears stories told by her students, stories from friends in Athens, and stories from strangers. She hears all about their lives; their anxieties, fantasies, regrets, longings, and ideas. Through their stories we learn about what she thinks of the shape of her own life after a divorce of her own, now living as a single mother. We learn through these stories the great loss she has suffered and how she will define herself as a result, how she will learn to redraw herself in her new reality. She must rely on herself now. Her luxurious Athens surroundings contrast with her inner struggle to define herself and her life.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it might have been over-hyped, since everyone was talking about this trilogy not long ago and gushing over it. But all of the hype was true. It is extremely well written, the characters complex, the prose elegant while being raw and honest. A great introduction to Cusk. I'm looking forward to reading the other two books to see where it goes.

Outline is an easy 4 stars.