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What Town Is Crosby, Maine Based On?

Published in Maine Towns 2 mins read

Crosby, Maine, the fictional setting in Elizabeth Strout's acclaimed novels, is based on the real-life town of Brunswick, Maine.

The Inspiration Behind Crosby

The character of Crosby, Maine, draws heavily from the actual town of Brunswick, located in Cumberland County, Maine. This connection is strongly suggested within the narratives, offering readers a tangible link to a familiar New England locale.

Evidential Clues

One significant clue linking Crosby to Brunswick comes from a specific detail mentioned in "A Different Road," a story within one of the books. In this story, the character Olive takes a trip to the "shopping mall at Cook's Corner." Cook's Corner is a well-known commercial area in Brunswick, Maine, which features a shopping center, thus firmly establishing Brunswick as the foundation for the fictional Crosby.

This narrative detail helps readers and literary enthusiasts understand the geographical and atmospheric inspirations behind the fictional setting. The detailed depiction of life in Crosby, from its community dynamics to its physical landscape, is influenced by the characteristics and environment of Brunswick.

Here's a brief comparison:

Fictional Location Real-Life Inspiration Key Connecting Detail
Crosby, Maine Brunswick, Maine Presence of a "shopping mall at Cook's Corner"

By grounding Crosby in a recognizable town like Brunswick, Elizabeth Strout provides a realistic backdrop for her poignant stories, allowing the setting to feel authentic and relatable to readers familiar with coastal Maine.