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readsewknit's review against another edition
This was an audiobook I purchased years ago. I preferred Empire Falls, once the story got going, but Russo does another good job at characterization, probably what I love best. Another small, falling apart town that controls characters' fates, for better or worse.
jchristen's review against another edition
5.0
A bit slow to get into, but really enjoyed this tale of a small town and the unfortunate characters who dwell in it. I look forward to reading the second book!
ardaigle's review against another edition
5.0
Russo is one of my favorite authors because of his ability to weave incredible narratives with layered and believable characters. It almost feels as if you aren't reading a book, instead it seems like you are listening in on a real town and the triumphs and failures of daily life. Highly recommend this read, but know you need patience. I think Russo's novels are like Seinfeld in that they are in some ways, "about nothing" so if you are waiting on plot twists and turns, you may be disappointed.
liberrydude's review against another edition
3.0
I remember a movie with Paul Newman set in rural New York. It was this book. This book is sad, boring at times, and a hoot. The title is meant to describe the principal character, Sully, a handyman who it could be argued has done nothing with his life. It could also describe his landlord, Miss Beryl or Mrs. Peoples. Great writing but it’s too long.
magmae's review against another edition
3.0
Russo paints such thorough and true-to-life portraits of his characters that I find myself choosing to spend the time with them the way I would real-life company. "Do I feel like getting brought down by xxxxx tonight?" "Will xxxxx annoy me or piss me off too much for my current mood?" I hugely admire Russo's skill in this manner, even if it's the same reason it took me so long to finish this one. This book is Russo through and through.
lcceaton's review against another edition
5.0
I'd read anything by Richard Russo. His characters grab you from the first page and don't let you go even after you've turned the last one.
mubeenirfan's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
michael5000's review against another edition
4.0
I read a lot of Richard Russo back in the 'aughts, but this was my first trip back in ten years. I remembered this one as my favorite. Mrs. and I quickly remembered something about Russo: when I read him, I bark with laughter every six or seven pages. She will read the same book, and the passages that I found darkly funny will strike her as wryly elegiac. The difference in reactions makes her feel humorless, and makes me feel crass. But we both value Russo's ability to zero in on aspects of the human tragicomedy, and -- more to the point -- to tell good stories about the oddness of everyday life.
n.b. While I was reading Nobody's Fool on the page, I was listening to Rabbit, Run on audio. There are interesting parallels between the books, and I can't help but wonder if Clive's flight is an homage to Rabbit's great overnight road trip. The two men would be contemporaries, but Clive would certainly have taken longer to start shaking his fist at fate.
n.b. While I was reading Nobody's Fool on the page, I was listening to Rabbit, Run on audio. There are interesting parallels between the books, and I can't help but wonder if Clive's flight is an homage to Rabbit's great overnight road trip. The two men would be contemporaries, but Clive would certainly have taken longer to start shaking his fist at fate.
nawis's review against another edition
4.0
As has been stated in other reviews, this novel is character-driven, and our protagonist Sully steals the show: he's funny, obscene, crass, undependable, and yet somehow likably charming. Luckily for us, Russo showcases his stellar dialogue by crafting a great set of supporting characters for Sully to interact with. There is a great deal of humor in this book, but occasionally these jokes fall flat (maybe Russo does this intentionally to demonstrate that Sully doesn't always have a perfect zinger?).
The book is far from perfect though. It had a rather slow start and failed to grasp my attention until about 200 pages in, so it felt a bit overlong at 550 pages. Also, the plot-lines relied largely on ridiculous capers and Russo was often repetitive (to drive home key points, but still). These are minor complaints though—I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to somebody who knows what they're getting into with a Russo book. While he doesn't always nail the introspective rumination like many of his contemporaries, Russo is in a league of his own when it comes to entertaining dialogue.
The book is far from perfect though. It had a rather slow start and failed to grasp my attention until about 200 pages in, so it felt a bit overlong at 550 pages. Also, the plot-lines relied largely on ridiculous capers and Russo was often repetitive (to drive home key points, but still). These are minor complaints though—I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to somebody who knows what they're getting into with a Russo book. While he doesn't always nail the introspective rumination like many of his contemporaries, Russo is in a league of his own when it comes to entertaining dialogue.
shaughnp26's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. It really delves into the minutia of living in a small town. The characters and storylines were simple but so realistic and always interesting to follow. Sully- what a character!