Russo's work may have been the first book I read. And from that moment on, there was no turning back. I was immediately captivated by his unique writing style and the engaging stories he told. The characters in his books seemed to come alive on the pages, and I found myself completely immersed in their worlds.

Each book I read by Russo was like a new adventure, taking me to different places and introducing me to a diverse range of people. His ability to create vivid settings and develop complex characters was truly remarkable. I couldn't get enough of his books and would eagerly await the release of each new one.

Reading Russo's works has not only entertained me but has also had a profound impact on my own writing. His use of language, pacing, and plot construction has served as an inspiration for me. I strive to emulate his style and bring the same level of depth and authenticity to my own stories.

Smartly written, the stories present deeply flawed characters with a unique writing style that feels refreshingly new.

However, there are several highly problematic elements such as assault, rape, and incest. These elements seem completely unnecessary and have left a sour taste in my mouth.

They ultimately ruin my enjoyment of what would otherwise be well-written stories.

It's a pity that such disturbing and inappropriate content has been included, as it overshadows the otherwise positive aspects of the writing.

One wonders if the author could have achieved the same impact without resorting to these extreme and often offensive themes.

Perhaps a more sensitive and thoughtful approach could have been taken to explore the complex nature of the characters and their relationships.

Nonetheless, despite the flaws, the unique writing style and the overall concept of the stories still hold some potential.

It remains to be seen if the author will address these issues in future works and continue to develop their writing in a more positive direction.

As always, Richard Russo does not disappoint.

His talent shines through in this collection of half-dozen short stories. The dialogue is engaging and realistic, pulling the reader right into the characters' lives. The plots are well-crafted, full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

But what really sets Russo apart is his deep sense of human behavior. He delves into the hearts and minds of his characters, exploring their fears, desires, and motivations with great insight.

Whether it's a story about a dysfunctional family, a love triangle, or a man's midlife crisis, Russo manages to make the reader feel a connection to the characters and their experiences.

I found myself completely immersed in each story, and before I knew it, I had finished the entire collection. If you're a fan of great short fiction, I highly recommend giving this book a read.

You won't be disappointed.

Great for book groups.

I've always had a deep admiration for Richard Russo's writing. His ability to craft engaging stories and develop complex characters is truly remarkable.

This latest work of his does not disappoint in the slightest. It continues to showcase his unique writing style and his talent for drawing readers in and making them care about the characters and their experiences.

The story is filled with interesting plot twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their lives.

Overall, this is a great book that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys reading well-written novels. It's perfect for book groups as it provides plenty of material for discussion and analysis.

Richard Russo is indeed the remarkable author of Empire Falls. However, when it comes to the other works I've perused from him, they have failed to measure up.

Some of these tales hold a certain value, yet the majority seem to revolve around the same themes: a 50-year-old man, be it his wife or ex-wife, his children, his sexual musings, and going on a trip.

Most of the characters are writers or professors. In essence, a significant portion of the stories seem to be about Richard Russo himself. This can become rather wearisome.

I had intended to read his highly lauded Bridge of Sighs, but that would have been his final opportunity with me. He could never surpass the brilliance of Empire Falls. Sadly, not everyone manages to pen even a single masterpiece in their lifetime.

It's a pity that after the outstanding achievement of Empire Falls, his other works haven't quite reached the same heights. But perhaps that's the nature of the literary world, where one great work can overshadow the rest.

Nevertheless, Richard Russo's talent is undeniable, and Empire Falls will always remain a shining example of his literary prowess.

I don't find books - books find me. This book, in fact, is a prime example of the process.

I was in BooksAMillion looking through the used library books ($3 each) and saw the name Richard Russo, who I thought (accurately) had won a Pulitzer. So, I purchased the book, even though the title had stickers covering it. It was only later, halfway into the book, that I glanced at the spine and realized the title "The Whore's Child" seems designed to titillate... a kind of marketing oversell which, had I known the title, would have put me off from reading the book. The theory being that books (like movies) which depend on special effects or rave reviews (or trick titles) aren't blessed with much substance. I'm glad I hadn't seen the title because I enjoyed this book more than many I've read recently.

A short story, for many writers, is to novels like sketching is to painting for artists. It is a rare master of the craft that can draw a sketch that is a work of art (Picasso and da Vinci come to mind), and it is a very rare writer that can elevate the short story to an art form. I think of Tolstoy, Raymond Carver, Andre Dubus (the elder), and Faulkner as maestros of the short story. It is sad to realize that these men all share an obvious common property: they're all dead, thus the odds of them producing a new short story are very slim.

It is with much delight that I introduce Richard Russo to the ranks of the Short Story Masters. His published collection of short stories, "The Whore's Child", is as excellent as those works produced by the writers previously mentioned, and the fact that he's still writing offers great hope for more great short fiction.

I despise reviews that reveal plot twists and endings, so I'll skip the "wow" moments and assure you that each of the seven short stories has a "swish-conk" moment where the flash of insight strikes you in the forehead like the proverbial can of V8 juice. These moments are so well done that you can't anticipate them; they occur naturally, embedded as they are in the lines of the story. Each story is so well-crafted that I wondered if the "moment" was the inspiration for the story, as a grain of sand lies at the heart of a pearl, or if the "moment" arose organically during the writing of the story, the subconscious revelation of an artist whose hand seemingly has a mind of its own.

"The Whore's Child" is a rare book for me, in that as soon as I finished it I wanted to immediately go back and re-read it. It reminded me of what short fiction is supposed to be, and for that I owe Mr. Russo a great debt of gratitude.

I've read several of Richard Russo's novels, but have never read short stories written by him.

However, after delving into this story collection, I was truly impressed. His ability to develop characters is equally remarkable in the short format as it is in his novels.

Russo's stories center around a diverse range of characters who are grappling with the challenges that come with growing older and maintaining relationships.

Most of his main characters are either older male authors or teenaged boys. Through their experiences, we gain insights into the complex emotions and struggles that people face as they navigate through life.

The stories are engaging, thought-provoking, and often humorous, making this collection a real pleasure to read.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-written fiction that explores the human condition.

4.5 These short stories will truly stand out in my experiences, leaving an indelible mark. They have caused me to deeply contemplate the complex web of motivations, reactions, consequences, and feelings that lie beneath and within the simplest of human experiences.

Russo is a master at creating characters that are so vivid and real. Later, you might find yourself saying, "I know this guy once who....." only to realize moments later, "No, I didn't--that was a character in a book!"

This reading experience had a truly perfect ending. I had intended to finish it on the airplane so that I could leave it in the seat-back pocket for another traveler's serendipitous find. As fate would have it, a passenger next to me peeked at the cover of my engaging read and said, "Russo? Is this a new one? I've read everything he's written and I've never even heard of this one. I love Russo.... I saw him speak in Syracuse...." I finished this collection within 4 minutes of landing and promptly handed it to her. It was an incredibly satisfying moment, knowing that the joy of this wonderful read would now be passed on to someone else.

I'm completely smitten by Russo's writing.

His short stories are truly remarkable in their in-depth examination of people and their intricate machinations.

The stories are incredibly diverse, ranging from a nun to artists on Monhegan.

Each one delves deep into the how and why of the characters' lives, exploring their motives, desires, and the forces that shape them.

Russo has a unique ability to bring these characters to life, making us feel as if we know them intimately.

His writing is细腻 and engaging, drawing us in from the very first sentence and keeping us hooked until the very end.

Whether it's a story about love, loss, or the human condition, Russo always manages to offer a fresh perspective and a profound understanding of the human experience.

I can't get enough of his work and can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Great characters are those who leave a lasting impact on the world. They possess qualities such as courage, determination, and integrity that inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

These individuals come from all walks of life and have achieved great things in their respective fields. Some are famous for their scientific discoveries, while others are known for their artistic contributions.

Regardless of their achievements, great characters share a common trait: they are not afraid to take risks and pursue their dreams. They are willing to face challenges and overcome obstacles, even when the odds are stacked against them.

Moreover, great characters are often humble and generous. They use their success to help others and make a positive difference in the world. Their actions and words serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

In conclusion, great characters are an essential part of our society. They remind us of what is possible and encourage us to strive for greatness in our own lives.

Because Russo is so frequently recommended in books about the writing craft, I decided to pick up this collection of short stories, which is something I rarely do. As I delved into it, much like his novel Empire Falls, I was immediately impressed. The characters were extremely well-developed and felt so real. They seemed to leap off the page and into my imagination. The stories themselves were well-told and had a certain charm that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The description was vivid, painting a clear picture in my mind. The dialogue was natural and added to the authenticity of the characters. And the writing as a whole was truly compelling. It had a rhythm and flow that made it a pleasure to read. Although I’m still not a huge fan of short stories in general, I have to admit that if you want to learn how to write them effectively, reading Russo is a great place to start.

I began to read this book and initially thought,

“Why does anyone write short stories? Why not write a whole novel? Isn't this copping out?”

And then, in the penultimate story of the book, a character chastises another, asking,

“Isn't writing short stories just cowardice? Isn't it copping out?”

I laughed and truly enjoyed the dialogue. It dawned on me how utterly playful these short stories were, not only because they played with me.

Russo is a wonderful wordsmith. He captures characters and places with what seems to be incredible ease. (I'm sure it's actually a long and difficult process.) The stories share an interest in writing. Someone is always writing something, or is a writer, or an ex-writer, or a critic of writers. However, the stories had great enough variation within them that they didn't feel overly autobiographical. Each story also has a different take on love. There are marriages gone sour, marriages made in haste, marriages that are whole and solid and warm, and marriages made to God. Since many of the couples in the book are of an age, it makes for a set of fascinating comparisons as a whole.

My favorite story was, I think, the last one, told from the perspective of a ten-year-old boy. Russo gets inside his head so thoroughly and describes a ten-year-old's philosophy of life so well that I was absolutely enchanted. I could read that story over and over and over again, and still love it as much as I did the first time, I believe.