This is truly an outstanding book, yet it is so dark and disheartening that one almost winces while reading it. The narrator, Ned Hall, remains somewhat of an enigma, despite sharing the depths of his life and innermost thoughts. We have no idea what he looks like or what he would be like if we were to meet him. He claims to be awkward and shy, so he probably wouldn't be overly friendly. However, since he spent a significant amount of time in bars chatting with men, he might actually be quite talkative. And given that he was intelligent enough to rise from humble beginnings to obtain a graduate degree, he presumably has the ability to engage in interesting conversations - although it's not clear if he's willing to do so.

The story of a depressing, economically declining town (fictional Mohawk, N.Y.) built on a dying leatherworking industry feels authentic. It is highly masculine,充斥着酗酒现象, and has severely limited opportunities for action. Almost no one manages to escape the black hole, and Ned shows us why. In a time when we are all reading about the opioid epidemic in towns like Mohawk, this book provides an insight into what it's like to live there, whether one is trapped or has enough intelligence and desire to get away.

So, we have Ned. He is approximately 35 years old when he is narrating the book, and he has settled into a decent life, although we don't discover what that life is until the end. He is mainly telling the story of his youth from around age 6 to 18. The first part of his life was spent with his mother, as his father had abandoned them when Ned could barely remember him. His mother was devastated by her husband's departure, which was nothing short of scandalous in 1950s upstate New York. She managed to hold it together for a while, working at the telephone company, but eventually had a nervous breakdown. Ned actually tried to lie and say his dad was dead.

The breakdown occurred because Ned's father, Sam, returned to town and tormented his wife. He was never an ex-husband, as he refused to give her a divorce. He was one of the town's ne'er-do-wells, perhaps the most cunning of the lowlifes in Mohawk. He was a drunk who could hold his liquor to some extent and a very angry man who could mostly control his temper. And because he grew up in the town, he knew everyone. Experiences in World War II changed him - or so Ned's mom said - but it's unclear if Sam was ever anything other than a charming schemer, angry at the world. WWII might have simply made him feel it was okay to act on every impulse.

Anyway, Ned's life as an altar boy was first disrupted by a scandal at the church and then by the appearance of his father, who took him in at around age 12 for the next 2 years or so. The middle of the book chronicles those aimless days and nights for Ned, during which he was often left alone in an apartment in an old department store in Mohawk's dead downtown. Ned learned independence at a time when he was too young for it. He would do odd jobs for people downtown (like the hairdresser), steal things when the opportunity arose, walk into the greasy diner for food (on his dad's tab), and ride his bike through the town's parks and to the library. He had no friends. He also had to endure a lot of semi-good-natured physical abuse from a father who wanted to toughen up his kid and forced him to tag along evening after evening as he visited the dive bars.
The funniest parts of this book are the sharp exchanges between Sam Hall and his drinking buddies. Wussy, the only black man in town treated with anything approaching equality (and then pretty much only by Sam), has the best one-liners, as the one guy who can really give it to Sam without too much anger in return. While Ned sees his dad as essentially indestructible - able to fix anything, work long hours on a road crew, then drink until nearly dawn and do it all again, able to arm wrestle a muscular teen to the floor - Wussy shows us that Sam has no sense of direction in his car, has ruined every relationship he has, and is a lost and wandering soul.
Although Ned is the narrator, much of the book is about him grappling with the contradictions surrounding his dad. Ned definitely fears him, and with good reason. His dad is a terrible role model and is abusive to the son (Drew) of his girlfriend (Eileen), whom he constantly calls Zero. Drew seethes with anger, and a series of blowups occur. There is a lot of violence in this book, much of it perpetrated by Sam on others, but many people also get involved in drunken fights and acts of revenge. It is very depressing.
Both depressing and often hilarious are Sam's interactions with everyone else in town. Those characters and incidents will stay with the reader for a long time. There's Mike, the bar and restaurant owner who runs a tab for Sam and is tormented by his hateful fat wife Irma (a great cook). There's Rod Heinz, the most lost drunk of them all, what might have been called a "rummy" in the old days. There's Tree and Skinny, the latter of whom is a talented gardener and a shiftless drunk. There's Jack Ward, another "townie" who married into wealth and isolation in a big house on a hill. There's Untermeyer the ageless bookie. There are a series of cops who try to catch Sam, and do, on occasion.
Ned has few acquaintances of his own, and like any lonely and sensitive boy, he dwells on small incidents for years. He has one friend, Claude, who falls apart in his own way and is a vision of everything Ned avoids by eventually leaving town. There's Tria, the ill-fated beauty with whom Ned might have had a personal connection if they could have overcome their terrible parents and fears. And there's the constant lamenting about his two crazy parents.
With the bulk of the story based on Ned's two years with his dad, things move quickly when Sam falls apart again, and Ned moves back in with his mom and the attorney she is having a secret affair with. If there's a hero in the book, it's the attorney, F. William Peterson. He rehabilitates Ned's mom, lends money to Ned repeatedly, and helps Sam and Sam's friends with legal problems.
Ned's escape comes with leaving for college and being fortunate enough to have a high draft lottery number so that he can avoid the fate of his dad. The story is told after college, not in real time, as Ned looks back on how he barely managed to escape his seemingly inevitable destiny in the pool halls and dive bars of Mohawk.

I truly don't understand what it is about some authors and their strong inclination towards overwriting absolutely everything. They just keep going on and on, and it seems there is no end in sight. For Mr Russo, a thorough study of Ernest Hemingway would be highly advisable.

Here we have a coming of age story that竟然nearly reached 500 pages. It was really extremely excessive. The characters in this story were not at all likeable. The ending, where everyone was celebrating the life of a jerk, was simply so wrong. The narrator, Ned, was openly pathetic. I couldn't help but feel sorry for his wife and the child who was yet to be born.

After reading this, I definitely won't be reading anymore of Mr Russo's works.

So overwritten and blown up

This book just seemed to be filled with unnecessary details and a lack of proper editing. It could have been a much more engaging and concise read if the author had shown more restraint. But as it stands, it was a disappointment.

Russo is an excellent teller of small-town life in the US. Empire Falls is perhaps his masterpiece, but now Sam's Kneeg is also something! I carried it all the way through Vietnam, through 4 flights and back home to Denmark again! After 600 pages, the recycling place can get it back. My shelves are full.

Interestingly enough, I accidentally saw an episode of Lucky Hank on the flight between Hanoi and Doha. It is also Russo who has written it - in Danish it is called The Kingdom of the Spirits. Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) plays Hank! Really, really funny!

Russo's works seem to have a certain charm that can attract readers and viewers alike. His portrayal of small-town life is vivid and detailed, making people feel as if they are身临其境. Whether it is the story in Empire Falls or the humor in Lucky Hank, they all show Russo's talent as a writer.

Moreover, the fact that I carried Sam's Kneeg through Vietnam and back home also shows my love for Russo's works. It's like a precious treasure that I don't want to let go. And now that I've finished reading it, it's time to let it go and make room for other good books.

4.2
Russo is truly remarkable when it comes to character development. His ability to bring characters to life on the page is simply outstanding.

I would definitely rank this work of his up there with two other greats, Straight Man and Nobody’s Fool.

In this particular piece, Russo has crafted characters that are complex, multi-dimensional, and utterly believable.

Each character has their own unique set of traits, motivations, and flaws, which makes them feel like real people rather than just fictional creations.

The way Russo delves into their inner lives and explores their relationships with one another is both captivating and engaging.

It's no wonder that his works have gained such a loyal following and critical acclaim.

Russo's talent for character development is truly a gift, and it's one that readers can't get enough of.

I want to give this more than 4 stars because, man, I REALLY like Richard Russo.

His works have always had a certain charm that attracts me. However, it seems that all his books are just a variation on the same theme.

Although this can be comforting and entertaining, I hope he can stretch himself and write about something different.

For example, instead of always focusing on the conflict between the blue-collared older generation and the academic younger generation, he could explore other aspects of life.

Don't get me wrong: this book is still wonderful (even if it's not entirely polished).

It is full of well-crafted characters and chuckle-worthy scenarios.

Although it won't stick with me like my favorite of his, Nobody's Fool, it was still a good read and kept me interested in the characters.

I look forward to seeing what new things Richard Russo will bring us in the future.

With this book completed, I have perused the entirety of Russo's published body of work. Although, in my opinion, this particular one did not reach the lofty heights of Empire Falls, the "Sully" books, or Bridge of Sighs, it adeptly addresses matters of family dynamics and what I term as the crisis of contemporary American masculinity. The story is set against a backdrop awash in alcohol, yet is buoyed by Russo's trademark compassion and humor. The characters are vividly drawn and, with some variations, echo those from his other novels. I firmly believe that every single moment spent reading this rather lengthy novel was time well invested. It offers a deep and engaging exploration of the human condition, particularly within the context of family and gender roles in modern America. The author's ability to bring these complex themes to life through his well-crafted characters and engaging narrative makes this a worthwhile read, despite not quite attaining the status of his other masterpieces.

'The Risk Pool' encompassed all the elements that I truly adore in a masterfully crafted story. It was a somewhat leisurely read for me due to the fact that the characters were astonishingly multidimensional. I had the distinct impression that I had to peruse it in small segments, in order to afford each of them the appropriate amount of time to fully develop. Once I managed to progress beyond parts one and two, and delved into the commencement of part three, the pace picked up significantly. The characters with whom you had become acquainted earlier grew even more rich and complex. By the moment I arrived at the very last page, I had the profound sense that I had accompanied the protagonist through an entire lifetime. Richard Russo is, without a doubt, a preeminent writer in today's literary marketplace.

Russo’s The Risk Pool, which was published in 1986, is extremely long and overly written. Its shelf life has long since expired. I began reading it years ago and initially found it really funny. However, I stopped around seventy pages in because I was afraid it might influence my work. Now, it no longer seems that funny.

It is mainly the story of a rogue named Sam Hall and his adventures with his drunken pals. Sam does whatever he wants, even if it is illegal. Ha-ha. The story is told from the point of view of his now grown-up son. He is a lousy father and a bad absentee husband. We are supposed to find him charming, but I never did. I never doubted for a moment that he and the assortment of characters around him were fictional, which means I never really cared what happened to them since they weren't "real". I can't get sentimental about a bunch of misogynist bums.

Reading it was like doing a homework assignment or being trapped in a corner at a party by a drunk who can't stop talking. It is over 450 pages long, and it would have been better if it were only 300 pages. I know how difficult it is to write something that is publishable. I recognize that a lot of hard work went into creating this book. I never like to criticize a writer harshly, but Russo has had a great deal of success, and many critics at the time really loved The Risk Pool. So, he can handle it if I say that I didn't.

The Risk Pool is indeed an enjoyable novel that abounds with those peculiar characters one anticipates from Richard Russo. It is set in the fictional small Maine mill town of Mohawk. The story follows young Ned Hall as he matures, learning to grapple with his mother and father, each of whom presents more than their fair share of difficulties. If a theme can be discerned in the story, perhaps it is whether Ned will manage to learn from their missteps or be compelled to repeat them. The Risk Pool may not be Russo's finest work. Nonetheless, although I relished the narrative journey, I was not disheartened when it came to an end. It offers an engaging look into the lives of the characters in this small town, with their idiosyncrasies and struggles. The story keeps the reader interested, yet there is a sense that it doesn't quite reach the heights of some of Russo's other masterpieces. Overall, it is a worthwhile read that provides entertainment and food for thought.

The more books I read by Richard Russo, the more I associate him with a fine, expensive wine.

With a wine such as that, you don't gulp it all down at one time. You take your time and savor it. Such is my experience with The Risk Pool.

I think the biggest fascination I have with Mr. Russo's books is that they don't really have an apparent storyline but more of a history of his character's lives. This particular book was no different. His characters are deep messes.

The same person you sniff at during the beginning of the book, you will feel protective and maybe even some sympathy by the end of the book. I wanted to dislike Sam, the father, yet I found myself liking him more than Ned's mother.

About 100 pages left, I had an uncomfortable feeling that I knew where the story was leading and it tugged at my heart quite a bit. That is what a good author does – makes you feel emotions for people that do not even exist.

Richard Russo is a master storyteller. If you have never read one of his books, do not expect any of them to be a formula written storyline. You will have to invest time into the characters he writes.

Yet I find myself days, even weeks, after reading his books thinking about the stories and his characters. It's as if they have become a part of my own life, lingering in my mind and heart, making me reflect on the human condition and the complex web of relationships that Russo so skillfully weaves in his novels.

His writing is like a slow-burning fire that gradually warms you and leaves a lasting impression. I can't wait to explore more of his works and continue to be captivated by his unique storytelling style.

Sam Hall, the father, is a complex and multifaceted character. He is a hard-drinking, generous yet irresponsible loser who has spent his entire life in Mohawk, New York. A World War II veteran, he is a tough guy who isn't afraid to get into fistfights. However, when it comes to women, he is rather terrible.

Ned Hall, the son and the narrator of the story, has a mother who has suffered a nervous breakdown and is reliant on late-50s-era psychotropics. Throughout the book, Ned is of various ages, but for the majority of it, he is around 12 years old. His father is somewhat like a Huck Finn to Ned's Tom. He shows Ned the way to live irresponsibly, but at the same time, he opens up a world of possibilities for his son. Much of the book revolves around the father-son relationship that has had a profound impact on the narrator. (And for a significant portion of the book, we are left wondering how closely Ned will follow in his father's footsteps.)

This book offers a beautiful reflection on the WWII vets who returned home to live in the dying industrial towns of far upstate New York. I am truly looking forward to delving into more of Russo's Mohawk books and exploring the rich and complex worlds he creates.

I nibbled on this book for several months before finally finishing it.

I'm truly sad to be done.

I have a deep love for Russo's books, especially for their unique charm of being both humorous and tender.

His works focus more on the study of characterization rather than a complex plot.

In this particular book, we embark on a journey through 30 years of the relationship between a father (Sam) and his son (Ned).

The father has numerous memorable foibles, which are presented to the reader through anecdote after anecdote.

Maybe the word "foibles" isn't strong enough to describe the father's flaws, as he indeed has some serious deficiencies.

However, he is also incredibly lovable.

The book is written from the son's perspective, and the son shows both criticism and affection towards his father's shortcomings.

Perhaps this is the kind of perspective we gain when we learn to truly love someone.

It makes us see the flaws clearly yet still hold onto the love and warmth that person brings.

This book has been a wonderful exploration of the complex and beautiful nature of family relationships.