Scan barcode
pattydsf's review against another edition
3.0
“Hell, at twenty, he’d been ready to junk everything and start over too. But now, at sixty, he was less willing to throw things away that could be patched together and kept running for a few more months. He wanted to keep going forward, not stop and turn around and analyze the validity of decisions made and courses charted long ago.”
Sully is, in my opinion, one of Russo’s best creations. He is not everyman – no such character exists – but he is a character that many readers can be empathetic towards. He has problems that many people have. He has managed to keep his head above water in spite of messing up a marriage, child-rearing, many jobs, friendship and his love relationship with his girlfriend. He seems loveable, as long as you don’t have to deal with him on a day to day basis. I am glad I finally got around to reading this novel and therefore to meeting Sully.
I didn’t know that Russo’s new book Everybody’s Fool is also about Sully. I should have realized this – Russo would not repeat a word in his titles if it wasn’t important. I am looking forward to seeing what is going on with Sully more than twenty years later.
Sully is, in my opinion, one of Russo’s best creations. He is not everyman – no such character exists – but he is a character that many readers can be empathetic towards. He has problems that many people have. He has managed to keep his head above water in spite of messing up a marriage, child-rearing, many jobs, friendship and his love relationship with his girlfriend. He seems loveable, as long as you don’t have to deal with him on a day to day basis. I am glad I finally got around to reading this novel and therefore to meeting Sully.
I didn’t know that Russo’s new book Everybody’s Fool is also about Sully. I should have realized this – Russo would not repeat a word in his titles if it wasn’t important. I am looking forward to seeing what is going on with Sully more than twenty years later.
jeffmauch's review against another edition
5.0
This is small town life in a nutshell, especially one of those small towns the rest of the world has not only passed by, but left in its dust. I really enjoyed the characters in the book, I felt completely immersed. Especially with Sully. He is a character among characters here. Sully is a stubborn man who will change for no one, even to his detriment. He's a man of his own principles, even if they don't make an ounce of sense, and I love that. I could have read 1000 more pages on his exploits and wanderings, they were truly memorable and entertaining.
As for the author, I really enjoyed the length and pacing of his prose. I'll need to read more from him.
As for the author, I really enjoyed the length and pacing of his prose. I'll need to read more from him.
emjay2021's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. This book took forever to read, but for some reason I didn't mind the meandering. I think it's because the characters are so well drawn and appealing despite their flaws. Sully and Beryl, the two main characters, were so well written that I almost felt like I was reading about real people. I even sort of missed them when I finished the book.
Sully is a feckless but likeable 60 year old who has to keep working manual labour jobs despite a bad knee, because the state won't grant him disability support. He lives on the top floor of his landlady Beryl's house. Beryl is a sharp witted 80 year old who is coping with her own physical decline. Despite their differences, Sully and Beryl are genuinely fond of each other. There's a whole cast of other characters who are a part of their lives in this small town and they are an important part of the fabric of the story.
I liked the depiction of a strong community where people look out for one other even though they might be exasperated with each other. And because they're so flawed, there's plenty to be exasperated about.
This is just as good as Straight Man, the other Richard Russo book I've read. Actually, I think I liked Nobody's Fool just a tiny bit more.
Sully is a feckless but likeable 60 year old who has to keep working manual labour jobs despite a bad knee, because the state won't grant him disability support. He lives on the top floor of his landlady Beryl's house. Beryl is a sharp witted 80 year old who is coping with her own physical decline. Despite their differences, Sully and Beryl are genuinely fond of each other. There's a whole cast of other characters who are a part of their lives in this small town and they are an important part of the fabric of the story.
I liked the depiction of a strong community where people look out for one other even though they might be exasperated with each other. And because they're so flawed, there's plenty to be exasperated about.
This is just as good as Straight Man, the other Richard Russo book I've read. Actually, I think I liked Nobody's Fool just a tiny bit more.
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