Maine

J. Courtney Sullivan’s Maine traces the intricate bonds of four sisters and their extended families as they reunite at a weathered summer house on the coast after their mother’s passing. Spanning several decades, the narrative moves fluidly between past and present, revealing how shared history shapes individual lives. Sullivan examines the quiet tensions of sisterhood, the complexities of caregiving, and the ways people reinvent themselves when confronted with loss. Set against the backdrop of New England’s changing shoreline, the novel treats place as both sanctuary and mirror, reflecting the characters’ internal shifts. Known for her character-driven storytelling, Sullivan weaves together multiple perspectives with careful attention to domestic detail and emotional realism. The work explores how memory accumulates, how families negotiate loyalty and independence, and how the landscapes we inherit continue to influence our choices long after childhood. Through layered timelines and grounded dialogue, the novel offers a measured study of female relationships, aging, and the enduring pull of home.