4.5 Just like in all the Russo novels that I have read so far, his debut novel is set in an old industrial suburb of New York, Mohawk.

We are taken along with the "real" people who live there, tragically repeating their mistakes, survivors, fortune hunters (both in gambling and in the will to leave), and in their own way, idealists, small heroes or losers...

Time and again, I am amazed at how Russo manages to give those tragicomic characters, who are by no means all "likable," real "body" and make you experience their daily lives.

All of this is set against a backdrop filled with criticism of pollution by old industries (factories), poverty...

One of the characters who really stays with me is Anne's mother, who in her old age, in her small world, develops an obsession for (against) the worms in her garden...

This time, the plot was also well-developed and it really builds up to a climax, during a stormy night...

Richard Russo, much like Kent Haruf, has a remarkable talent for描绘 small town America.

His works are filled with engaging and delightfully quirky characters that truly bring the stories to life.

Russo's ability to handle details is outstanding. He has a knack for painting vivid pictures with his words, making the reader feel as if they are right there in the midst of the action.

He is a masterful storyteller, capable of weaving intricate plots and creating a sense of authenticity and emotional depth.

Whether it's the daily dramas, the relationships, or the unique charm of the small towns he writes about, Russo's writing has the power to captivate and engage readers, transporting them to a world that is both familiar and full of surprises.

His works are a testament to his skill and his love for the subject matter, and they continue to be beloved by readers around the world.

This is Richard Russo's debut novel, which was published back in 1986. The characters in this novel are extremely well developed, allowing readers to catch a fascinating glimpse into the life of a small town in America. Russo has done a truly wonderful job of highlighting the charm and brilliance of what Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" would refer to as the provincial life. Each and every word seems to leap off the page in a very gritty and industrial tone, which is perfectly exemplified by the town of Mohawk. As you read, you can vividly feel the desperation that pervades the lives of the characters, yet at the same time, you can also sense the glimmer of hope that shines through. Overall, it is definitely an enjoyable read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

I'm currently engrossed in reading Richard Russo's novels.

In "Mohawk", he constantly astonishes me with the profoundness, the hilarity, and the authenticity of his writing.

The story unfolds in a small town, and Russo masterfully weaves together the lives and struggles of its diverse inhabitants.

The characters are so vividly drawn that they seem to leap off the page.

His use of humor adds a lighthearted touch to what could otherwise be a沉重的主题.

Yet, beneath the laughter, there lies a deep well of truth and emotion.

Russo doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the challenges that people face in their daily lives.

Overall, "Mohawk" is a captivating read that showcases Russo's remarkable talent as a storyteller.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-written novel with depth and heart. 4★

Apparently, this is Russo’s first novel, which I didn’t know until after I finished it.

Surprisingly, you’d never guess this was his initial attempt as it reads like the work of a seasoned writer.

There is a great deal to appreciate here. The setting is vivid, the characters are fascinating, the conflicts are interesting, and there are multiple intertwined plots.

I believe one of the aspects I like most about Russo is his utilization of the setting to generate conflict.

Similar to many of his stories, we are once again in a dying town that has clearly witnessed better times.

In this instance, it is set during the Vietnam era when factories are closing down and business is tough.

I also truly enjoy how Russo provides us with a peek into the life of the town and its characters without extensive setup.

It’s as if we are simply thrust into an ongoing story rather than a series of setups, and we get to learn as we progress.

I really relished Russo’s novel Empire Falls, and this one reminds me a great deal of it.

While Empire Falls is undoubtedly more cohesive and refined, which is to be expected of a later work, it still exhibits a lot of the grittiness that I’m observing in this novel.

At first, this book has almost too many characters to keep track of, but it soon comes together and becomes much less perplexing.

We have characters of all ages, genders, and from different walks of life, all culminating in a story that encompasses murder, infidelity, and redemption, resulting in one very excellent novel.

In this first novel by Richard Russo, you often feel his great talent overflowing.

He has the ability to give color to the grayness of unfulfilled lives in a provincial backwater, through his human insight, his black humor, and his sense of sober emotional power.

The overall plot is sometimes a bit messy, but you can sense the premonition of masterpieces such as 'Empire Falls', 'Nobody's/Everybody's Fool', or 'Straight Man'.

Russo's writing style is engaging and draws the reader in, making them care about the characters and their struggles.

Despite the flaws in the plot, the novel still manages to be a captivating read, leaving the reader eager to see what Russo will come up with next.

Overall, this is a promising start to what would become a remarkable body of work.

A fantastic novel,

and it is made even more impressive considering it is Russo's first.

The way Richard Russo masterfully weaves together the lives of half a dozen characters is truly magical to read.

At first glance, these characters seem to have little in common.

However, as the novel progresses, their lives become more and more entangled.

Russo employs flashbacks and time leaps to span decades,

delighting the reader with seamless "exposition" through flawless transitions into the past and future.

Russo's characters are so vivid and real that I could easily see myself, my friends, and my family members mirrored in several of them.

Although the humorous dialogue in "Mohawk" may not quite reach the same level as Russo's later books,

every conversation between the characters is still a joy to overhear.

And for me, there is the added bonus of yet another novel set close to home in upstate New York.

It's a captivating read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

I am mainly a reader of genre fiction, with a particular penchant for science fiction and horror. However, about two years ago, out of curiosity and a longing for a change of pace, I picked up "Empire Falls" and fell in love with it instantly. Subsequently, when I came across a copy of "Mohawk," I decided to give it a try, given my great affection for "Empire Falls." It is always fascinating to go back to an author's first work after reading a later one and discover the instances where they are finding their own unique voice.

I found the first 100 or so pages of "Mohawk" a bit challenging to get into. This was largely because Russo was spinning stories about the characters' pasts to establish them, rather than allowing the details to unfold through the characters' actions. Nevertheless, I was still completely engrossed.

Part Two of the novel was truly gripping and extremely well-written. I have a soft spot for small town yarns, and Russo appears to be one of the best in this regard. He deftly manages a large cast of characters and numerous story threads that intricately weave in and out of each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will likely pick up other Russo books whenever I need a break from genre fiction.

This very readable first novel is an excellent starting point for the Russo novice.

If you've already delved into Russo's later novels, "Mohawk" might seem like a "pilot" episode. Russo is a chronicler of the darker side of America, particularly those towns that were once bustling with people who could earn a living.

In an era of skyrocketing real estate and abundant money, the wealth in this country is not evenly distributed, and those towns you pass by on the highways all have their own unique stories. Russo brings these stories into sharp focus, making them impossible to ignore.

Russo sets the two parts of "Mohawk" in 1966 and 1972, but doesn't overly emphasize the era except for a few scattered references and the appearance of a draft dodger. The lives of the characters are so vivid and well-portrayed that it's difficult not to keep turning the pages, even long after you should be asleep.

Russo never provides easy answers to the lives of his characters. In his novel, people die unexpectedly, while others live far too long; there is no explanation for this, and seeking an answer can prove futile.

Read "Mohawk" and then progress to the rest of Russo's works to see how a great writer hones his craft.

Even with this first novel, I'm truly amazed at how a genius novelist like Russo is able to do what he does. I've finally managed to read "Mohawk" after being in awe of "Nobody's Fool," "The Risk Pool," "Empire Falls," and "Straight Man." Readers, here is one of the greatest living American authors. Do yourself a huge favor and read Richard Russo.

This is Russo's debut novel and it has all the typical Russo characteristics that make him one of my favorite writers.

The setting is a small American town. The characters are usually likable losers, with very human flaws and recognizable dreams and desires. Russo treats his characters with a lot of compassion.

Some situations are downright hilarious, while others are deeply tragic. It's real life, after all. The background: the Vietnam War, the urge to leave the small town and escape the emptiness, boredom, and hopelessness, the dream of a better life, the generation gap.

It's a rich novel, written in that typical Russo style: broad, flamboyant, sometimes baroque, and always brilliant! I love it.

I am truly saddened when a Richard Russo book comes to an end. It feels as if I could continue reading about his captivating characters for an eternity. This particular work was his debut novel, penned way back in 1986. Russo is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable American writers of our time. His tales set in small town America possess an inherent warmth and authenticity that is simply enchanting.

One can easily get lost in the vividly描绘的worlds he creates, filled with complex and relatable characters. The way he portrays the idiosyncrasies and struggles of small town life makes it impossible not to become emotionally invested in the story. Each page turn brings new revelations and surprises, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

Richard Russo's writing is a masterclass in storytelling, and his debut novel is just the beginning of a long and illustrious career. I can't wait to see what other wonderful works he has in store for us in the future.

Having read all of his other books, "Mohawk" indeed shares some similarities with several of them, yet it is far less engaging. Russo has that folksy tone that is essential for telling small town stories, and this particular work does bear the hallmarks of the Pulitzer-winning "Empire Falls". However, the overuse of backstory slows down the pace. The story focuses on the Mather family, and we are introduced to a diverse array of characters, such as Wild Bill, who loiters at the Mohawk Grill hoping for handouts. Russo always manages to interject humor through characters like these to balance out the themes of loss, redemption, and discovery. Since this is one of, if not his first work, it is truly delightful to observe how his skill has evolved over time. That being said, "Nobody's Fool" and "Straight Man" still remain as the favorites, although I have enjoyed every single one of his books to varying degrees. It is worth reading if you are looking for an introduction to his style, but it is far from being his best work.