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sweddy65's review against another edition
2.0
I've enjoyed Russo's writing before, but I found the characters in this one far from real. I know mean. I know small-town mean. This one seemed off.
brentolie's review against another edition
4.0
I’m pretty sure I read this once before, but I only remembered bits and pieces.
That said, I ended up enjoying this quite a bit, especially considering that I almost quit about seventy-five pages in. It felt so ‘light’ compared to what I’ve been reading of late, and I’d say it ended that way too. There’s a good stretch in the center of the book though that was far from light - just strong writing, packed with power.
It’s no EMPIRE FALLS or STRAIGHT MAN, but it’s a good example of a fine writer working on his craft.
That said, I ended up enjoying this quite a bit, especially considering that I almost quit about seventy-five pages in. It felt so ‘light’ compared to what I’ve been reading of late, and I’d say it ended that way too. There’s a good stretch in the center of the book though that was far from light - just strong writing, packed with power.
It’s no EMPIRE FALLS or STRAIGHT MAN, but it’s a good example of a fine writer working on his craft.
sdibartola's review
3.0
I've read a half dozen of Richard Russo's books and liked them all but for some reason I'd never read "Mohawk," and only after I was about half-way through it did I realize it was his debut novel in 1986. In it he covers what has become his signature territory of blue collar small town upstate New York. It's a compelling story with the usual Russo characters, notably Dallas Younger - a bumbling but lovable failure. Also, there's the attractive Anne Grouse, who should have had everything but struggles like all of the other characters to find fulfillment. Definitely worth reading if you like Russo's work.
marilynsaul's review
1.0
I was very disappointed. I had previously read Bridge of Sighs and The Whore's Child (and other stories) and very much like Mr. Russo's writing style. If I had read Mohawk first, I would never had pursued reading more of his works. Mohawk was a disjointed book, with only a few well-defined characters and then a horde of other characters who would pop up at random and leave one scratching one's head: now who the hell is John? Now she's married to whom? and, wait, I didn't know she had a daughter - oh, that's a different woman, but what happened to the daughter? why is she in the hospital? Part Two of the book reminded me more of author's notes, you know where they write a page or so about a character in a circumstance and hope they can stick it in the plot somewhere down the line, but they don't know where, but think it's a good idea anyway??? There was that kind of jumping around, and I just couldn't wait to get done with this book! And then, when it very well could have and should have ended....it GOES ON!!!!! I understand that the author would like to make it full circle (start with Harry; end with Harry), but it was just plain annoying!!!
manwithanagenda's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Richard Russo's first novel showcases a talent well on the way to maturity. He depicts the tired town of Mohawk, a decade or more away from its best days and sinking lower, with humor and sympathy. The main focus is on the extended Grouse/Younger family but the characters keep coming and they all matter. There are old secrets, stubborn personalities, lessons learned too late, and rich writing compensating for a soft plot.
Despite there being a crucial...something...missing from the meat of the book, it was a satisfying read and well worth the time.
Despite there being a crucial...something...missing from the meat of the book, it was a satisfying read and well worth the time.
violetu's review against another edition
4.0
I've now read several books by Richard Russo and totally think he's the cat's meow. There's something about his writing style that makes me feel rather content.
rdebner's review
4.0
I'm just a big fan of Richard Russo. The way he writes his characters and the small towns in which they live is very evocative -- you feel like you know these people, this place. Apparently, this was his first novel. I read it long after reading [book:Empire Falls] and enjoyed the comparison and contrast between these two books. I like how Russo makes at least one his main characters basically a total screw-up, but still gets you to empathize with him (usually a him). A quick read on the surface -- but he also explores what has happened to small towns, especially ones with one or two main industries -- and what happens when those industries falter.
birdmanseven's review against another edition
3.0
That was a bust. I enjoyed the characters and style, but I thought the story fell flat. There was nothing driving the plot. I can't really even tell you what it was about. Not one I'd recommend. His later stuff is way better.