Wow, das war beeindruckend. Ich weiß gar nicht, was ich am meisten bewundern soll - die schrägen Figuren, die Richard Russo uns hier präsentiert, den tollen Sprachstil, den gelungenen Humor? Auf jeden Fall will ich mehr von diesem Autor, der definitiv meine Neuentdeckung des letzten Jahres ist. Nur gut, dass die Fortsetzung und zwei weitere Romane von ihm schon ihren Platz auf meinem SUB haben. ( )

The author has skill. The text was readable and kept my interest. The lead character, "Donald 'Sully' Sullivan," has some of the worst character traits a man can have. He does not apologize for his actions. If someone asks him NOT to do something that guarantees he will do it. He treats women horribly. He sucker punches. He steals. He is too proud to accept help. He abandoned his children. He poisons dogs. He forgets he has his grandson with him. He drinks and gambles too much. I want to watch the movie starring Paul Newman. Maybe I will understand Sully's actions when I see them.
2,458 members; 4.17 average rating; 3/26/2024 ( )

A plethora of colorful characters set in improbable situations: comedy, ethos ensues. Russo saves the mess by being a sharp judge of character and an especially insightful writer about men. ( )

I just have one question: Does Sully own a watch or not? ( )

I've been thinking of reading this author for some time, and I'm so glad I finally did. The writing is delicious and accessible, and the characters in this story really stay with you. Sully is the 'fool' in the story, damaged by his childhood and a regrettable tendency to do exactly what he shouldn't, even when he knows his choices are wrong. But he has friends - his 80 year old landlady Beryl Persons, his on-again, off-again lover Ruth, his work partner Rub, his lawyer Wirf, his sometime employer Carl, his long-absent son Peter. He's nursing a bad knee, a broken family and a disability claim. But he is generous and even kind in his own way.

The town of North Bath in upstate New York is emblematic of the decline of small towns everywhere, when one inexplicable change can ruin an economy. But people stay, perhaps because their web of connections is strong.

I almost gave up on this book about 50 pages in, wondering why I should care about such a ne'er-do-well, self-destructive man, but my book group was reading it so I persevered, and not long after that became another of Sully's supportive friends.

There are two sequels - I'll be sure to read on. ( )