newcritics - Latest Comments in Dirty Streams and Broken Towns: Richard Russo’s Upstate Social Order

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

RC of strangeculture — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:09:49 -0000

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.

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

Tom Watson — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:46:40 -0000

Cam, you're right about that - ah, hasty prose.

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

CAM — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:59:45 -0000

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

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

Tom Watson — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:41:30 -0000

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

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

Kathleen Maher — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 23:37:21 -0000

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.