Ugh. That's really my one-word review for this book.I like Richard Russo. I read Empire Falls a few years ago and loved it. Then last fall, I listened to Bridge of Sighs on audiobook, and I also loved that. He is the absolute master of small town sagas, almost making the town itself a character in the book.
At first I thought maybe I'd just taken on another thick Richard Russo too soon after Bridge of Sighs. But I don't think that was it. This book was long, and the main complaint I have is that the main character simply wasn't likable. He tried to make him so, giving him little quirks that supposedly should have offset the fact that he was a total loser. But no, he was just a total loser. I got tired of reading about him and his loser life. If I lived in that town, I'd probably cross the street on the other side when I saw him coming. I mean, everyone's got problems, but you try to rise above. He didn't try to rise above -- didn't seem to even have enough deep thought to feel like he should rise above.
I finished the book, because I think Richard Russo is a great author and I wanted to see it through. But I wouldn't recommend it. If you have read the other two I've read, read one of those!
5 comments:
I liked the movie. Of course, it starred Paul Newman. Hard not like to like Paul Newman.
Yeah, I really want to see the movie. Even a loser Paul Newman would be okay with me!!! ha.
I read Empire Falls a couple of years ago and was wondering which Russo to read next.
I'd go for Bridge of Sighs if I were you!
That's too bad about this one. I imagine I'll read it eventually just because, but it won't be for awhile.
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