I read the first sentence and thought: "Oooh! This is going to be a good book."
I read the second sentence and thought: "I adore Richard Russo. Such a good author."
I read the third sentence and thought: "Hmmm...this might be a five-star book."
I read the fourth sentence and
…more thought: "Everyone leave me alone. I'm reading!"
This book tells the story of Louis Charles "Lucy" Lynch, aged 60 on page one, and the life he has led in a small town in upstate New York. It also follows his boyfriend friend, Noonan (originally named Bobby), who grew up in the town but moved out as quickly as he could.
While it is always profound and deeply sorrowful at times, it is also highly entertaining, exploring the full circle of life. The book deftly explores themes of love and hate, good and evil, belief and doubt--and not in the big sense, but rather how we as individuals feel and act. What drives us to love? To be good? To believe? But most of all, this book is about change. The changes that just happen to us whether we like it or not and the changes we consciously make. But can anyone REALLY change?
Russo is an extraordinary writer, who speaks truthfully and insightfully--with compassion and humor--about the human condition. Every word is perfect. Every sentence is exquisite.
I read the last sentence and thought: "Genius. Pure genius." (less)