Richard Russo has written the great american novel. Steinbeckian in scope, story and characters. Writing without artifice, trick or pandering. He took simple words and simple characters, placed them carefully together, and created genius.

Don Sullivan is a brilliant Everyman. Down on his luck with a self-destructive streak a mile wide. But Sully is buoyant, funny, and charismatic. Incapable of not destroying everything around him, and endlessly aware of it, Sully is among the most likable characters I’ve ever read.

I will read more Russo. And more Russo. His voice, unwavering, unspoiled and true, is so perfectly readable. I feel remarkably satisfied after reading this. Cleansed and vindicated. One of the best books I’ve ever read.