Reviews

Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo

cjvphd's review against another edition

5.0

Russo delivers a masterclass in characterization. By the story's end there is no separation between reader and narrator, it is only Sully, limping conflicted through life and Bath, struggling to overcome a lifetime of anger, selfishness, and pessimistic inevitability with a hopeful kindness that is never far from the surface yet is always consciously restrained.

For a story that spans only several days, the pacing is wonderful, driven by the lived-in nature of Russo's characters and setting. Carl Roebuck, Rub Squeers, and Sully drive the narrative as they move from job to job, but the emotional burden is carried by four generations of Sullivans, from the inescapable and character-defining memories of Big Jim, to Sully's nascent relationship with his own son, Peter, to Will, Sully's grandson, who simultaneously bridges gaps, evokes a troubled Sullivan past, and suggests a more hopeful future. At times blisteringly funny and deeply moving, almost every character in the novel is memorable. Hattie and Beryl stand out as portraits of aging widows with most of their life, and love, behind them, while the crew at the Horse (one-legged Wirf, Jocko, et al) offer a lighter, yet no-less-serious look at small town USA.

Truly an unforgettable novel.

paulmichaelpeters's review against another edition

4.0

One of the benefits of frequent travel for my job allows hours to consume and get lost in a good book. A few years back I loved Empire Fall's. Nobody's fool also tells the story of a small north eastern town, with a wily curmudgeon as a central character.

A throughly enjoyable read, with characters that come to life like on John Steinbeck's "Cannery Row" or on "Sweet Thursday". Very enjoyable work and I look forward to the next.

lifeisaproblem's review against another edition

5.0

The best book I have ever read. Funny, smart, and extremely well written. Will suggest it to anyone who will listen.

jhaverinen's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

lawagener's review against another edition

3.0

An excellent writer, but this book was too, too long.

sarahelizabethii's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

I don’t think I’ve ever said this in my life, but…watch the movie instead. LOVED the movie but the book was just so-so for me. Onscreen the characters are infinitely more endearing, and there’s a heck of a lot more momentum to the plot. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, and Alcohol

Minor: Fatphobia, Racial slurs, and Dementia

angelackrueger's review against another edition

Loved several of Russo's other books but this book is too detailed, and not that interesting. Some of the writing is great, but it's too spread out and missing the humanity and humor that I liked in his other books.  Ultimately, just not worth finishing for me. 

billymac1962's review against another edition

Third time's a charm, right?

Nope.

This is my third attempt at this and this time I made it to 109 pages.
I'm finding it very boring and a chore to get through so once and for all, I'm out.
Nowhere close to the excellence of Empire Falls, in my so humble opinion.

niraghae's review against another edition

dark emotional funny reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

drron's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0