Sully is a significant member within Russo's pantheon of emotionally stunted male characters.

These individuals have been deeply wounded by their alcoholic, abusive, and neglectful fathers. As a result, these flawed characters often fail in their roles as spouses, fathers, and friends. However, despite their shortcomings, they still possess a deep inner goodness, a spark of light that lies dormant, waiting to be fanned into a full flame.

I have a profound admiration for Russo's remarkable character development. It is truly fascinating how we can simultaneously love and be irritated by these walking wounded. At the same time, I do find that some of his secondary characters or non-essential stories seem to be played for cheap laughs or pure oddity. For instance, Clive Sr.'s death, Deidre's entire presence, and Hattie's death by the cash register.

I firmly believe that Sully's struggle with the ghost of his father would have been so much more poignant if it had not been overshadowed by characters who seem to be perched on the brink of freakishness. Nevertheless, Russo somehow manages to work his magic and make me believe in the drunk one-legged lawyer, Bootsy the petty thief, Ruth, Janey, Bird Brain, and all the other broken, strange inhabitants of this small dying town. Not only do I believe in their existence, but I also believe in their inherent humanity and their eventual triumph over their adversities.

The original text is in Russian and means "Very good". Here is the rewritten and expanded English article:

It is truly an excellent situation. Everything seems to be going extremely well. There is a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in the air.

We can see that all the efforts have paid off handsomely. The results are outstanding and have exceeded our expectations.

This is not just a simple "very good", but a comprehensive affirmation of the hard work and dedication that has gone into it.

It gives us a great boost of confidence and motivation to continue moving forward and achieving even greater things in the future.

Overall, it is a very positive and encouraging state of affairs.

In the wake of its sequel, Everybody's Fool, being released last summer, I finally picked up this book. It had been sitting on my shelf for years, a victim of “so many books, so little time.” I read the first two pages, and immediately, I knew I wasn't ready. The previous few months had been tough, and I knew I wouldn't be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the writing.

Several weeks ago, I gave it another try. I re-read one of the most beautiful opening paragraphs of a novel that I've read in a long time. It wasn't the first since Empire Falls, but it was definitely the first in a while. The poignance, humor, and tribute to real life were exquisite, setting the perfect tone for this wonderful book by Richard Russo, one of my favorite living American writers. His Straight Man and Empire Falls are two of my all-time favorites.

Donald Sullivan, or Sully, is the central character. He lives in an apartment in the home of an 80-year-old retired teacher, Miss Beryl. Despite being called “Miss,” she's a widow with a son who's the head of the bank in town, a man Sully dislikes and calls “The Bank.” Sully is part of a complex universe of people who either love or despise him, or both.

Sully is a great character, but Russo does an equally amazing job with the rest of the cast. They all seem like real people. Sully's world includes his ex-wife, their son, his ex-wife's kind husband, a friend with humble dreams and a bullying wife, and Miss Beryl herself, who has conversations with her dead husband's picture and a mask from her travels.

As with all of Russo's books, there's great humanity here, with all the humor and heartbreak that comes with it. The book is richly written, and I read it slowly, savoring every word. It captures the mood of a long-suffering part of the United States that once had hope but has since known only decline. Although it was published in the early 1990s and set in the '80s, some things never change. This book is simply gorgeous.

It’s a rather long book, perhaps even overly long considering the plot spans only a few days. As anticipated, this novel shares a similar style with Everybody's Fool, which I read initially. The dialogues are humorous, and the characters are extremely well-developed. The misadventures of the main protagonist, Sully, are entertaining, but I have a particular fondness for the old ladies.

Favorite Quotes:

For a longer time than any of her widowed neighbors, Miss Beryl has managed to fend off the ravages of uncertainty by remaining intellectually challenged and alert. So far, she has been able to maintain faith in her own judgment, in part by rigorously questioning the judgment of others.

The old woman’s fury was comical at first, but the expression on her face was so fierce and her rage so intense that even large men gave her a wide berth as they left, just as they might with a small, rabid dog on a thin leash.

Her conclusion was that an imperfect human heart, perfectly shattered, was a condition so common as to be virtually universal, making issues of right and wrong almost incidental.

As always, for Sully, the deepest mysteries of life are the mysteries of his own behavior.

Richard Russo’s Nobody's Fool is set in North Bath, a small, struggling town in upstate New York. The town is filled with a variety of quirky characters.

The most prominent among them is 60-year-old Donald Sullivan, known as Sully. He hobbles around town with a bad knee and has an uncanny ability to find trouble.

In this down-and-out setting, Russo creates a large cast of interesting characters. Each one is fully developed, unique, believable, and described with great precision. This is especially true of Sully, who is a larger-than-life character. He is full of flaws but also capable of showing great concern and compassion for the elderly and the weak. Whether you love to hate him or hate to love him, you can't ignore him.

Sully rents an apartment from 80-year-old Mrs. Beryl Peoples, his former 8th grade English teacher. Beryl is a delight with her biting sarcasm. She has regular conversations with her deceased husband and also with an African mask named "Driver Ed." Sully and Mrs. Peoples have a wonderful relationship.

If Sully has one outstanding quality, it is his ability to earn the stubborn loyalty of people who should have given up on him long ago. His one-legged lawyer refuses to abandon him despite never being paid. His best friend, Rub, tolerates his constant teasing. His on-again, off-again employer, Carl, still employs him. His lover of twenty years, who is married to another man, remains faithful to him. And his estranged son, whom he virtually abandoned as a child, still has some connection with him.

Russo's talent lies in creating believable characters with humorous and witty banter. The people of Bath are realistic, often resentful, sometimes mean, and sometimes loving. Their speech patterns and phrases are consistent with their personalities.

The only minor criticism of the novel is the occasional overuse of flashbacks and digressions. However, this is a testament to Russo's skill as a writer. We get to know his characters well, recognize their eccentricities, laugh at their antics, feel their disappointments, and love them despite their flaws.

Highly recommended for its masterful characterization, filled with compassion and humor.

**"Sully: A Tale of Life, Love, and Laughter in a Small Town"**

Sully, a 60-year-old labourer with a banged-up knee, is a complex and endearing character. He lives in the upstairs flat of his widowed eighth-grade teacher, Mrs. Peoples, in the small town of Bath, New York. Despite his supposed disability case, Sully finds himself constantly involved in various activities and relationships.

The story is filled with digressions that add depth and charm to the narrative. We learn about Sully's past as a football champ, his fractious relationship with Clive Jr., and his ungovernable nature on and off the field. Sully's friendships with Carl Roebuck, Rub, and others are also explored, as well as his long-term affair with someone else's wife.

Throughout it all, Sully barrels through life with a combination of optimism and recklessness. He may not always make the best decisions, but he is kind-hearted and generous, always willing to help those in need. His forgetfulness can be a liability, but it also adds to his charm.
The knee pain that plagues Sully serves as a constant reminder of his physical limitations, but it doesn't stop him from living life to the fullest. He continues to work, bet at the OTB, and spend time with his friends and family. And despite the odds stacked against him, he manages to find moments of joy and laughter in the most unexpected places.
Overall, "Sully" is a wonderful book that captures the essence of small-town life and the people who inhabit it. It's a story of love, loyalty, and the power of friendship, and it will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

5+★

This book, along with Russo's 'Empire Falls', is an unarguable classic of American literature. Keepers of the canon take note.

It always amazes me when a writer can contain his entire thematic program for a novel in a single image. Chabon did it in 'Wonder Boys' with a tuba and Russo does it here with a cherrystone clam. This whole novel revolves around the image of a clam. I freaking love that. I guess that's my great love for symbolism at work.

An amazing book. It's like an old friend that comes to visit and has to leave all too soon. You're sorry to see him go. Russo is such an incredible talent. I miss this book already. It's a literary masterpiece that engages the reader from the very beginning. The way Russo weaves the story around the symbol of the clam is truly remarkable. It adds depth and meaning to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and unforgettable read.

Every character in the book is well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a fan of American literature or just looking for a great read, this book is definitely worth checking out. I highly recommend it.

Review possible eventually; not a DRC. Russo can really write. His words have the power to draw readers in and keep them engaged from start to finish. Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking drama, Russo knows how to tell a story that captivates. His characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to invest in their fates. The plotlines are often complex and full of twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. And his writing style is both elegant and accessible, making his books a pleasure to read. It's no wonder that Russo has such a loyal following of fans. If you haven't yet discovered his work, you're in for a treat.

On 24/12, I watched a film yesterday. It was also excellent. Although only a few lines from the book were taken and those were changed a little to be more politically correct.

Listening to Russo's story, I unconsciously experienced with his strange characters and got involved in their daily lives. I will definitely listen to the other parts of this trilogy as well.

This film adaptation managed to capture the essence of the original story while making some necessary adjustments. The changes made to the lines were likely to ensure that the movie was more in line with the current social and political context.

The characters in the film were vividly portrayed, and their interactions added depth and authenticity to the story. Russo's unique storytelling style kept me engaged from start to finish.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of the trilogy unfolds and how the filmmakers will continue to bring these characters and their stories to life on the big screen.

Tres estrellitas is an unfair rating considering the characters and dialogues of "Ni un pelo de tonto". The characters are solid and, although they are out of stereotypes, they end up being, in their own way, references of American society where there is no such thing as the American dream anymore. I understand that Richard Russo uses Bath and its inhabitants to represent society and achieves a very American novel, but it lacks history. I read and read and felt without direction. The only thing that made me finish the novel were the characters and the dialogues, some of the best I have been able to read, and that make me want to turn to Richard Russo again. I conclude thus that "Ni un pelo de tonto" is not the novel to start with the author.

The characters in "Ni un pelo de tonto" are truly remarkable. They are well-developed and have their own unique personalities and traits. Despite not conforming to traditional stereotypes, they still manage to be relatable and representative of the complex and diverse American society. The dialogues are also a highlight of the novel. They are sharp, witty, and full of life, adding to the overall authenticity and charm of the story. However, while the characters and dialogues are excellent, the novel as a whole seems to lack a clear narrative direction. It meanders at times, leaving the reader feeling a bit lost and confused. This lack of a strong storyline may be a turn-off for some readers, especially those who prefer a more linear and plot-driven narrative.

Overall, "Ni un pelo de tonto" is a novel that has its strengths and weaknesses. The characters and dialogues are top-notch, but the lack of a clear history and narrative direction can make it a bit of a challenging read. If you are a fan of character-driven novels and don't mind a bit of ambiguity in the storyline, then this may be a novel worth checking out. However, if you are looking for a more straightforward and engaging read, then you may want to consider starting with one of Richard Russo's other works.

This particular work was, to a certain extent, mildly amusing. It presented some rather interesting characters that managed to hold my attention for a while.

However, contrary to what many of my Goodreads friends seem to have felt, I didn't have an overwhelming love for it. In fact, I don't think I'll be delving into any more works by this author.

I'm glad that I gave it a try and never once considered giving up on it mid-way. But the truth is, it really did drag on and on. It was far too long for my liking, and it felt like it took me forever to get through.

Possibly, it has become a bit dated now, especially since it is set in the 1980s. The cultural and social context of that era might not resonate as strongly with modern readers as it perhaps did when it was first written.

Overall, while it had its moments, it just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Everything about this book made me extremely mad.

It was excruciatingly boring from start to finish. The characters were all portrayed as mean, stupid, and thoroughly unlikable, which made it difficult to engage with the story on any level.

To make matters worse, there was animal cruelty depicted within its pages, which is always a distressing and unnecessary element.

Then there was the absurdity of the truck that somehow had both a clutch and the ability to be put into drive and park, a detail that completely defied logic as I am very certain no such thing exists in the real world.

The ending was not so much an ending as it was the author simply stopping writing abruptly. It felt unfinished and left me with a sense of dissatisfaction.

I wish he'd stopped at least 200 pages sooner because this book was also incredibly long, and I ended up investing far too much time in it.

Mostly, I'm mad at myself and my OCD and need for closure. Even though I knew about 20 pages in that I would not like this book, I just had to finish it. Well, now I did, and I'm also finished with Mr. Russo.

I don't think I'll be picking up any more of his works in the future.