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Dirty Streams and Broken Towns: Richard Russo’s Upstate Social Order

Started by tomwatson · 11 months ago

There is a moment in Alan Bennett’s wonderful novel in miniature, The Uncommon Reader, recommended here by Maud Newton, when the royal literary figure in question realizes the joy of discovering a favorite writer has been hiding in plain sight, awaiting only discovery and a hu ... Continue reading »

5 comments

  • Kathleen Maher

    1 year ago

    I've noticed this too many times, Tom, not to come out with it: of all the book reviewers I read, which I think exceeds the norm, you offer the best quotes. You provide such beautiful quotes that unless I wait several months before reading a novel you've recommended I can't read it straight. I read for the quote.
    reply
  • Tom Watson

    1 year ago

    Thanks Kathleen, that's very kind! You'll like this one....
    reply
  • CAM

    1 year ago

    Nice, but I should point out that "Empire Falls" took place in Maine, not upstate N.Y. :)
    reply
  • Tom Watson

    1 year ago

    Cam, you're right about that - ah, hasty prose.
    reply
  • RC of strangeculture

    1 year ago

    I wrestle with whether I like Russo's books. I respect them, that's for sure.

    But at the same time the pastoral and heavy character driven dramas that he weave are insightful, but not gripping.

    They take a time and a motivation not always required by other authors.
    reply
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