Olive, Again

Olive Kitteridge, the protagonist of Olive, Again, is irritable, rude, and often unsympathetic. She is a complex character that often does unlikeable things. She is difficult, blunt, and, to the other characters, sometimes terrifying. Many, however, value what makes Olive difficult—her unwavering, blunt honesty. Olive offers the other characters the unvarnished truth which, no matter how hard to handle, is a refreshing change from the small lies and evasions most practice to keep relationships easy and intact. Olive, whatever else one might think of her, is a truth-teller, and it is a quality that many of those who know her value.

Cindy Coombs, Olive’s friend, appreciates that Olive is up front with her. Most people don’t know what to say to Cindy since she is undergoing cancer treatment. In contrast, Olive approaches even the most sensitive topic, death, with composure: “‘You know, Cindy, if you should be dying, if you do die, the truth is–-we’re all just a few steps behind you. Twenty minutes behind you, and that’s the truth’” (127). This gives Cindy a larger perspective on her situation.

Jack, Olive’s husband, also appreciates Olive’s honesty—it’s one of the things he loves most about her.