Emily Alone

Finished Emily Alone by Stewart O'Nan. Emily is eighty and a widow. Her best friend and sister-in-law, Arlene, collapses while they are at breakfast one morning, Emily must return to driving in order to visit her in the hospital and take care of Arlene's fish. Emily finds that driving isn't as scary as she remembers. Her new confidence allows her more freedom. She gets rid of her old boat of car and buys a Subaru. Her days are filled with a constant soundtrack of classical music and small events and errands. Her dog Rufus is a senior too and in watching his struggles with mobility, she sees herself as well. This is a funny, honest, and quiet book. At times Emily reminded me of the old maids in the books of Barbara Pym, also living quiet, small existences. An enjoyable read and a window into the lives of older adults living alone.