Review: Everybody's Fool

Everybody's Fool by Richard Russo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Richard Russo finds the humour and heart of each of his characters no matter what circumstances they face. It's small town people who are on a familiar basis with their own personal ruts, who know their foibles like they know their friends.

And while the humour and heart of a small town may not scream Plot!, things really rip along. There are thrills, chills, action, and mystery! Russo keeps his characters busy.

What most endears Russo's writing to me is the kindness of his narrative. This is not Evelyn Waugh, in which every conceit or dream eventually reverts to the natural state of misery. Instead, these characters strive to find happiness and peace through accepting themselves, whatever their outward circumstances might be. Russo lets them achieve this self-love, too, which gives the whole book a feeling of generosity. Just because he plays God, as author, doesn't mean he must be cruel. It's not maudlin; it just feels true.

Definitely one of my favourites of 2017.

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