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Sh*tshow
A Vintage Shorts Short Story original. David and Ellie didn’t realize how much they have missed their friends, two other couples who had moved out of their modest neighborhood in a desert city for the comforts of the suburbs, until the day of Donald Trump’s election. Separated also from their daughter who lived hours away in California, they were in a funk. But, when Ellie discovers a repellant offering floating in the small Jacuzzi in their backyard, David is blindsided. Little does he know this is but the first in a chain of grisly events that would play out in their lives with devastating consequences. In this darkly humorous, incisive and absorbing political parable, written with the remarkable humanity he’s beloved for with countless fans, Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Russo probes how deeply, yet imperceptibly, fissures can form amongst friends, neighbors, and families. An ebook short. Look for Richard Russo's new book, Somebody's Fool, coming soon.
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
124 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Richard Russo
59 books4,821 followersRICHARD RUSSO is the author of seven previous novels; two collections of stories; and Elsewhere, a memoir. In 2002 he received the Pulitzer Prize for Empire Falls, which like Nobody’s Fool was adapted to film, in a multiple-award-winning HBO miniseries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 10, 2020
A longish short story from the ever-talented Richard Russo. Domestic mystery in part, but mostly slice of life set in the aftermath of the 2016 election. The political aspect doesn't get in the way, but provides an excellent backdrop for social and relationship tensions. Witty and captivating from beginning to end. Great audio narrator. A perfect "cleanse the palate" short read between novels.
November 27, 2019
This short story is a sure bet for fans of Richard Russo. As in his other stories and novels, he knows how to create characters that are real and relatable. I’m never disappointed in his story telling because I always feel as if these characters are people I might know. David and Ellie, retired from a university are shocked and looking for the solace of old friends after the 2016 presidential election. I could relate. Their close friends have moved away from the neighborhood where they spent years together and while they come for dinner things have changed. Ellie has had a health scare. Some vile person is leaving, no other way to say it, gross deposits in their hot tub and worse. Things continue to change in their relationships with friends and with each other. Certainly humorous at times, but also a more serious reflection of things that happen in people’s lives. I’ll read anything that Richard Russo writes. A vintage short for Kindle at $.99!
November 12, 2022
4★
“I’d imagined that she’d become unhinged by dread, but now I knew better. Oh, her freak-out had been real enough. But I’d been wrong to conclude that fear had untethered her from reality. She’d just slipped the knot that tethered her to my own. How long had she wanted to do that, I wondered?”
Three couples, who are old friends and were former colleagues and neighbours, now live apart and don’t get together the way they always promised they would.
Now they’re getting together for a BBQ post the Trump election, and having a hard time realising that they are not all on exactly the same page about politics or life in general. Jack tells the story about himself and Ellie, still living in the old neighbourhood while their friends have moved further out to what they consider ‘nicer’ areas. Their two kids live across the country.
For some unknown reason, Jack and Ellie seem to be singled out as a target for some hoodlum/nuisance/burglar who leaves disgusting reminders of his visits, and Ellie is freaked out. Their daughter says come to California.
Jack starts questioning his own understanding of his wife and his friends. These are people who pride themselves on their intellect and education, so I particularly enjoyed this passage.
“My father used to say, ‘Try something. If it doesn’t work, try something else.’
“A philosopher, your old man.”
“No, a plumber.”
“See? All these years we’ve been hanging around with the wrong people. You want wisdom, consult a man who unclogs drains for a living.”
Good story. And that's a 'yes' from me, regarding consulting real people about real life.
“I’d imagined that she’d become unhinged by dread, but now I knew better. Oh, her freak-out had been real enough. But I’d been wrong to conclude that fear had untethered her from reality. She’d just slipped the knot that tethered her to my own. How long had she wanted to do that, I wondered?”
Three couples, who are old friends and were former colleagues and neighbours, now live apart and don’t get together the way they always promised they would.
Now they’re getting together for a BBQ post the Trump election, and having a hard time realising that they are not all on exactly the same page about politics or life in general. Jack tells the story about himself and Ellie, still living in the old neighbourhood while their friends have moved further out to what they consider ‘nicer’ areas. Their two kids live across the country.
For some unknown reason, Jack and Ellie seem to be singled out as a target for some hoodlum/nuisance/burglar who leaves disgusting reminders of his visits, and Ellie is freaked out. Their daughter says come to California.
Jack starts questioning his own understanding of his wife and his friends. These are people who pride themselves on their intellect and education, so I particularly enjoyed this passage.
“My father used to say, ‘Try something. If it doesn’t work, try something else.’
“A philosopher, your old man.”
“No, a plumber.”
“See? All these years we’ve been hanging around with the wrong people. You want wisdom, consult a man who unclogs drains for a living.”
Good story. And that's a 'yes' from me, regarding consulting real people about real life.
January 11, 2020
Richard Russo doesn’t disappoint. This is a short story that starts right after the 2016 US election. The narrator and his wife’s lives take an emotional downturn in parallel with their feelings about the outcome of the election. As usual, Russo says a lot with few words. Clever and potent.
April 4, 2020
Well crap! Sometimes everything seems to end up in the crapper....at least it does for David and Ellie, their daughter and their friends in this short parable, with political undertone, relative to the 2016 election outcome.
Russo's usual dry wit and gift of storytelling shows its presence....as does the poop!
So, if things go wrong, "Try something." Perhaps read SH*TSHOW. "If it doesn't work, try something else."
October 9, 2020
Not classic Russo by any means, but then it would be hard to match the genius of Nobody's Fool or Empire Falls in only 33 pages. Whatever the case, this is witty and clever and well worth the read.
November 18, 2019
After many years living in a relatively moderate neighborhood in a desert city, these three couples have been friends since they first moved into these homes where they raised their children. Soon, two of these couples left for the suburbs, leaving David and Ellie behind. But on the 8th of November of 2016, the sudden change in the political climate makes them realize just how much they need that connection, the need to bounce their frustrations on their long-term friends.
And then Ellie, wife of David, discovers a sickening “gift” left in their Jacuzzi. As time passes, Ellie becomes more paranoid about who would do this, and David fails to show any indication that he shares her concerns, creating a rift that begins to widen as time passes.
Another short story, this one by Richard Russo. A little mystery, a little politics, but shared with Russo’s humour and his love for these relatable quirky characters.
May 11, 2020
Set in Arizona post-2016 US election, retirees David and Ellie (both Hillary voters) are among the many dismayed to see the orange baby elected president. But things get worse: someone’s pooping in their outdoor hot tub every day! Who’s the culprit and why are they doing it?
Shitshow is a fairly amusing short story by Richard Russo. The central mystery is entertaining and it’s interesting to see the various things in David’s life go from bad to worse. His marriage breaks down, his daughter’s marriage goes in the crapper too, his friendships deteriorate. And, as you’d expect from a Pulitzer Prize winner, the prose is very clear, precise and elegant in a subtle way.
The metaphor though is really obvious and some of the stuff that happens, particularly toward the end, felt melodramatic and silly. I’m not sure if there’s a larger point here but it just seems like Russo is one of who-knows-how-many loudly informing anyone that they’re anti-Trump to no real effect.
It’s not the most gripping or memorable story but if you’re a Russo fan it’s worth a read and it’s never that boring - definitely not a shitshow in itself!
Shitshow is a fairly amusing short story by Richard Russo. The central mystery is entertaining and it’s interesting to see the various things in David’s life go from bad to worse. His marriage breaks down, his daughter’s marriage goes in the crapper too, his friendships deteriorate. And, as you’d expect from a Pulitzer Prize winner, the prose is very clear, precise and elegant in a subtle way.
The metaphor though is really obvious and some of the stuff that happens, particularly toward the end, felt melodramatic and silly. I’m not sure if there’s a larger point here but it just seems like Russo is one of who-knows-how-many loudly informing anyone that they’re anti-Trump to no real effect.
It’s not the most gripping or memorable story but if you’re a Russo fan it’s worth a read and it’s never that boring - definitely not a shitshow in itself!
August 5, 2020
This little novella meditates on the current state of the US by telling the story of a married couple in Arizona (where Trump won in 2016 with 48.08%): The book sets in right after Trump's victory and mirrors how our protagonists, both of them retired university professors, their children and two couples they have been friends with for years react. All relationships depicted get under pressure, some because of issues directly related to politics, others because of sentiments that illustrate wider societal phenomena that drive the country apart, like alienation, a lack of communication, and feelings of fear and disparagement - except when it comes to the character who has long left the continent.
And yes, the title is an excrement-related pun that is played out on a literal level: Our protagonists get harrassed by an unknown person who repeatedly trespasses on their property and defecates into the whirlpool, causing extreme mental troubles especially for the wife. You want to know the other expression that plays a role in this context? Here you go: . Obviously, Russo is also talking about politics here, in not-so-subtle metaphors.
So why three stars? This is certainly a decent, smart story, but events are moving quickly, and considering that currently, Americans are dying because of Trump's incompetence while he is instigating a new civil war in hopes of securing the next election, this text just seems tame - I (and I think many others) feel so much anger right now that this clever little novella just doesn't cut it anymore.
If you'd like to learn more about the novella, you can listen to our podcast episode (in German).
And yes, the title is an excrement-related pun that is played out on a literal level: Our protagonists get harrassed by an unknown person who repeatedly trespasses on their property and defecates into the whirlpool, causing extreme mental troubles especially for the wife. You want to know the other expression that plays a role in this context? Here you go: . Obviously, Russo is also talking about politics here, in not-so-subtle metaphors.
So why three stars? This is certainly a decent, smart story, but events are moving quickly, and considering that currently, Americans are dying because of Trump's incompetence while he is instigating a new civil war in hopes of securing the next election, this text just seems tame - I (and I think many others) feel so much anger right now that this clever little novella just doesn't cut it anymore.
If you'd like to learn more about the novella, you can listen to our podcast episode (in German).
December 18, 2022
2.5 stars
An okay, politically-tinged short story about Trumpian America and the shock liberal, educated people went through after the 2016 election.
I realise I'm not the target audience for this, but while the narrative voice is quite well done, I felt the situation had far more potential than the author used.
The plot is jerky, the characters are realistic but not terribly interesting/flat (and some are just kooked), the setting has zero atmosphere, and many of the political metaphors will fly over the heads of those who were not there at the time, thus causing the piece to age badly.
With a title like "Shitshow", you expect an honest to god shitshow and this is...not that. Despite the literal meaning.
This is the first Russo I've tried, but I can't say I'm overly impressed. I've heard his novels are much better.
An okay, politically-tinged short story about Trumpian America and the shock liberal, educated people went through after the 2016 election.
I realise I'm not the target audience for this, but while the narrative voice is quite well done, I felt the situation had far more potential than the author used.
The plot is jerky, the characters are realistic but not terribly interesting/flat (and some are just kooked), the setting has zero atmosphere, and many of the political metaphors will fly over the heads of those who were not there at the time, thus causing the piece to age badly.
With a title like "Shitshow", you expect an honest to god shitshow and this is...not that. Despite the literal meaning.
This is the first Russo I've tried, but I can't say I'm overly impressed. I've heard his novels are much better.
August 5, 2020
ETA: [Dieses Buch haben wir auch im Papierstau Podcast besprochen (Folge 113: Nimm das, Adorno!)] /ETA
Eine kleine, feine Novelle/Parabel auf die USA kurz nach der Wahl von Trump. Der Erzähler und seine Frau, pensionierte, gut situierte und gebildete Demokraten, verstehen ihre Welt nicht mehr. Mit ihren (eigentlich gleich denkenden) Freund*innen beklagen sie sich über den Wahlausgang und die drohende Zukunft - und auch in diesem eigentlich geschützen Umfeld werden schnell erste Vetrauensverluste deutlich. Doch das ist nur der Anfang, denn nachdem Unbekannte menschliche Fäkalien im Whirlpool des Paares hinterlassen haben, geht die wörtliche und titelgebende "Shitshow" erst so richtig los.
Die Metaphorik ist von Beginn an da, laut und unübersehbar, doch dieses Buch hat mehr und vor allem Nuancierteres zu bieten als die sprichwörtlich dampfende Kacke. Das Gefühl der Entfremdung, des Verlassens, des einsamen Zurückbleibens und nicht (mehr) Verstehens zieht sich bei dem Protagonisten, mehr sogar noch bei seiner Frau, durch alle Lebensbereiche und Gefühlsebenen: Das ganze Land hat sich mit der Wahl gegen sie gestellt, die Tochter als Produkt ihrer Erziehung ist bereits vor längerer Zeit in demokratischere Gefilde abgewandert (und selbst dieser "sichere Ort" zeigt Risse - oder?), die Freundschaft zu den anderen Paaren scheint ebenso zu bröckeln und ist mehr und mehr von Eifersucht, Wetteifern und Vertrauensverlust geprägt (die Argwohn ist seit längerem spürbar, nach der Wahl umso mehr), und schließlich wird das Haus durch die ungebetenen Gäste und ihre Hinterlassenschaften zu einer No-Go-Area. Dass sich diese Ansammlung von Unsicherheit und Angst an/mit sicher geglaubten Orten und Menschen auch auf die Beziehung der beiden zueinander auswirkt, scheint unumgänglich.
Richards Russos doch erstaunlich kurze Geschichte ist schnell gelesen, fast ebenso schnell wie sich die Welt der Personen darin verändert. Allerdings verändert sich die Welt außerhalb des Buches fast noch schneller - in Zeiten von Covid-19 und dem, nun ja, "Umgang" des Präsidenten mit der Pandemie erscheinen die Auswirkungen der ersten Monate seiner Amtszeit im Rückblick geradezu unfassbar mild. Man mag sich gar nicht ausmalen, welch unappetitliche Metaphorik sich der Autor für eine aktuell angepasste Parabel à la Shitshow 2.0 benötigen würde...oh je!
Eine kleine, feine Novelle/Parabel auf die USA kurz nach der Wahl von Trump. Der Erzähler und seine Frau, pensionierte, gut situierte und gebildete Demokraten, verstehen ihre Welt nicht mehr. Mit ihren (eigentlich gleich denkenden) Freund*innen beklagen sie sich über den Wahlausgang und die drohende Zukunft - und auch in diesem eigentlich geschützen Umfeld werden schnell erste Vetrauensverluste deutlich. Doch das ist nur der Anfang, denn nachdem Unbekannte menschliche Fäkalien im Whirlpool des Paares hinterlassen haben, geht die wörtliche und titelgebende "Shitshow" erst so richtig los.
Die Metaphorik ist von Beginn an da, laut und unübersehbar, doch dieses Buch hat mehr und vor allem Nuancierteres zu bieten als die sprichwörtlich dampfende Kacke. Das Gefühl der Entfremdung, des Verlassens, des einsamen Zurückbleibens und nicht (mehr) Verstehens zieht sich bei dem Protagonisten, mehr sogar noch bei seiner Frau, durch alle Lebensbereiche und Gefühlsebenen: Das ganze Land hat sich mit der Wahl gegen sie gestellt, die Tochter als Produkt ihrer Erziehung ist bereits vor längerer Zeit in demokratischere Gefilde abgewandert (und selbst dieser "sichere Ort" zeigt Risse - oder?), die Freundschaft zu den anderen Paaren scheint ebenso zu bröckeln und ist mehr und mehr von Eifersucht, Wetteifern und Vertrauensverlust geprägt (die Argwohn ist seit längerem spürbar, nach der Wahl umso mehr), und schließlich wird das Haus durch die ungebetenen Gäste und ihre Hinterlassenschaften zu einer No-Go-Area. Dass sich diese Ansammlung von Unsicherheit und Angst an/mit sicher geglaubten Orten und Menschen auch auf die Beziehung der beiden zueinander auswirkt, scheint unumgänglich.
Richards Russos doch erstaunlich kurze Geschichte ist schnell gelesen, fast ebenso schnell wie sich die Welt der Personen darin verändert. Allerdings verändert sich die Welt außerhalb des Buches fast noch schneller - in Zeiten von Covid-19 und dem, nun ja, "Umgang" des Präsidenten mit der Pandemie erscheinen die Auswirkungen der ersten Monate seiner Amtszeit im Rückblick geradezu unfassbar mild. Man mag sich gar nicht ausmalen, welch unappetitliche Metaphorik sich der Autor für eine aktuell angepasste Parabel à la Shitshow 2.0 benötigen würde...oh je!
January 6, 2021
Mixed feelings. On the face of it, yes, this is a good story, told with the trademark wryness that one expects from Russo. I might have preferred a bit more of a resolution, but nevertheless, a good story.
At the same time, I can't help thinking: Is that it? That's the whole thing?
I applied for a review copy of this story, which was published in 2019, and didn't get one. Well, officially? Net Galley and the publisher are still thinking it over. It hasn't been archived yet, but since nearly nobody was given a review copy, I gave up and used my Amazon credits to buy it myself. And had I been more observant, I would have seen it right there. 34 pages. That's it. But with such a short little story, I figured that when my Kindle said I was at the 90% mark, that must mean I had a little story left, but instead it ended. The rest of the space was basically used to merchandize Russo's other books, most of which I've read anyway.
Sooner or later, he's going to publish a book of short stories, and this story will be in it. If I am not careful, I'll end up paying for it twice. So yeah, I'm cranky. You can buy it, or you can not buy it. Up to you.
At the same time, I can't help thinking: Is that it? That's the whole thing?
I applied for a review copy of this story, which was published in 2019, and didn't get one. Well, officially? Net Galley and the publisher are still thinking it over. It hasn't been archived yet, but since nearly nobody was given a review copy, I gave up and used my Amazon credits to buy it myself. And had I been more observant, I would have seen it right there. 34 pages. That's it. But with such a short little story, I figured that when my Kindle said I was at the 90% mark, that must mean I had a little story left, but instead it ended. The rest of the space was basically used to merchandize Russo's other books, most of which I've read anyway.
Sooner or later, he's going to publish a book of short stories, and this story will be in it. If I am not careful, I'll end up paying for it twice. So yeah, I'm cranky. You can buy it, or you can not buy it. Up to you.
April 13, 2020
A delightful short story about the friendships between 3 couples in the aftermath of the 2016 US Election. The unexpected election result provides a perfect setting for what happens to these old friends and also the relationship between the main characters Ellie and David. It's all a bit unpleasant, dark and unpredictable. The crime committed with 'Malicious intent and gross incompetence' was darkly comical and provided an interesting metaphor for what this is, a total Shitshow.
Loved it.
4 Stars
Loved it.
4 Stars
January 12, 2020
Fun, satirical short - Lots of laughs as well as serious moments. Well done!
February 13, 2020
I don’t know if this should count as a book, it was a short story by Richard Russo who often writes brilliantly about small town life. I listened to this in audio.
It takes place in Tucson, immediately after the 2016 presidential election, where we find David & Ellie, retired University of Arizona professors with a series of problems.
The first problem is that they are feeling isolated as their friends have moved away and their only daughter lives in California. The second problem is that someone is leaving them “presents" in their hot tub.
The “presents” become a metaphor for everything that has gone wrong since the election. It’s never stated but inferred that they are being targeted because they are liberals who didn’t vote for Trump. Ellie becomes increasingly upset and David seems incapable of solving the problem so she starts to blame him and even distrust him. Their daughter is going through a divorce. Matters take a turn for the worse when David finds out that one of his friends voted for Trump. So everything in their lives is indeed a “sh*tshow”.
There were some really humorous scenes in this story and I recommend it wholeheartedly to my liberal friends.
It takes place in Tucson, immediately after the 2016 presidential election, where we find David & Ellie, retired University of Arizona professors with a series of problems.
The first problem is that they are feeling isolated as their friends have moved away and their only daughter lives in California. The second problem is that someone is leaving them “presents" in their hot tub.
The “presents” become a metaphor for everything that has gone wrong since the election. It’s never stated but inferred that they are being targeted because they are liberals who didn’t vote for Trump. Ellie becomes increasingly upset and David seems incapable of solving the problem so she starts to blame him and even distrust him. Their daughter is going through a divorce. Matters take a turn for the worse when David finds out that one of his friends voted for Trump. So everything in their lives is indeed a “sh*tshow”.
There were some really humorous scenes in this story and I recommend it wholeheartedly to my liberal friends.
July 8, 2025
I’ve read a half dozen Russo novels so far and enjoyed them all. This one is just too short to rank among his best but it’s still good.
July 21, 2020
David und Ellie und die Millers hatten in Tucson im selben Viertel gelebt und wollten eigentlich gemeinsam alt werden. Doch seit die Millers und die Schuulmans aus der Stadt in die Berge gezogen sind, wurde der Tonfall zwischen ihnen schärfer. Warum wollen David und Ellie nicht auch in die Berge ziehen – oder besser gleich nach Kalifornien zu ihren erwachsenen Kindern? Ellie ist in letzter Zeit dünnhäutig geworden und die Trump-Wahl lässt das Verhältnis der drei Paare eskalieren. Als ein unappetitlicher Anschlag auf den Whirlpool von David und Ellie verübt wird, fragt Ellie sich, wem sie in letzter Zeit auf den Schlips getreten sein könnten. David dagegen fühlt sich pauschal toxischer Maskulinität verdächtigt – Donald, Harvey, David – geht es noch?
Die Auflösung von Russos kurzer Erzählung in Hardcoverausgabe hat mich in ihrer Einfachheit überrascht. Sprachlich finde ich die aus Davids Perspektive erzählte Geschichte gelungen. Um sie zu verschenken, sollte man zuvor die Empfindlichkeiten des Empfängers sicher einschätzen können …
Die Auflösung von Russos kurzer Erzählung in Hardcoverausgabe hat mich in ihrer Einfachheit überrascht. Sprachlich finde ich die aus Davids Perspektive erzählte Geschichte gelungen. Um sie zu verschenken, sollte man zuvor die Empfindlichkeiten des Empfängers sicher einschätzen können …
June 4, 2020
A short story about three retired, liberal couples in the days after the 2016 USA elections. Along with the election results, one of the couples will have to battle with another disgusting finding in their very own home. There's a bit of reflection on politics, relationships and life in general. The language and rhythm were pleasant enough and the audio enhanced it.
"Try something. If it doesn't work, try something else."
"Try something. If it doesn't work, try something else."
August 8, 2020
Das ist mein erstes Buch von Richard Russo und sicherlich nicht mein letzes, da mir der Schreibstil gut gefallen hat. U.a. geht er in Sh*tshow der Frage nach, wie Intelektuelle mit der Wahl Donald Trumps als amerikanischer Präsident umgehen und wie sich deren Beziehungen zueinander durch die unterschiedlichen Positionen verändern.
Die Auflösung war etwas anders als vermutet und ich frage mich, ob ich den Sinn oder die gesellschaftliche Message die Russo damit vermitteln wollte nicht richtig verstanden habe. Deswegen einen Stern abzug.
Die Auflösung war etwas anders als vermutet und ich frage mich, ob ich den Sinn oder die gesellschaftliche Message die Russo damit vermitteln wollte nicht richtig verstanden habe. Deswegen einen Stern abzug.
December 15, 2019
3.5. A minor work by a masterful writer, to be sure, but well-done. It reads as if it was intended to be a kind of allegory of life in the Age of Trump, but Russo's generous humanity is present throughout, as is the dry humor for which he is known. I happened to listen to it as an Audible production. The reader did a good job -- and sounded as if we had a good time doing so. I imagine it would be every bit as good in written form.
December 20, 2019
An interesting, funny, kind of bleak short story.
July 17, 2020
WTFDIJR?
What the Fuck Did I Just Read?
Not funny at all. One star.
What the Fuck Did I Just Read?
Not funny at all. One star.
July 17, 2025
What a waste. So beneath his integrity.
August 4, 2022
Short, slice-of-life, sort-of-mystery from a great author.
December 4, 2019
Another gem from Richard Russo! So enjoyed this quick read....so insightful on marriage, friends, political views, illness...his writing always completely draws me in and his characters are so real. He remains one of my favorite authors. Thank you Mr. Russo!
January 27, 2022
3.5 Stars
Richard Russo is one of my favorite writers, so I was looking forward to reading this short story of his. I liked it, but I did not feel the characters had the same depth as the ones he creates in his novels. It must be a challenge to delve into all of the nuances of a character in a short story form.
This story takes place immediately after the 2016 election and I may have related to it more if I had read it then.
Richard Russo is one of my favorite writers, so I was looking forward to reading this short story of his. I liked it, but I did not feel the characters had the same depth as the ones he creates in his novels. It must be a challenge to delve into all of the nuances of a character in a short story form.
This story takes place immediately after the 2016 election and I may have related to it more if I had read it then.
January 31, 2020
When I finished this one, I felt very indifferent about it. It wasn't great and it wasn't horrible. It was OK. I was less interested in the political stuff than I was the other storyline about the main character and his wife. The politics wasn't over the top or off-putting. I was expecting it to be a lot worse.
June 6, 2020
This is a well-crafted short story that captures the sense of unreality and wrongness of life after Trump's election. The story begins the day after the election and conveys the sense of unease that a couple, along with their friends, feel about the election. One of my favorite lines comes when the protagonist's daughter tells her mom that she should move to California because "It's still America here." Along with a sense of the country unravelling, the couples in this story find their relationships with each other and their friends fraying.
I heard Russo in an interview talking about how lots of people were turning to him for answers after Trump's election, and it feels like he's thinking it through in this story. Not in a way to explain why the characters in post-industrial communities that he usually writes about made the choices they did, but the surreal feeling of not understanding the world we live in if it's a place where Trump could be elected. I found this a very satisfying story.
I received an ARC of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I heard Russo in an interview talking about how lots of people were turning to him for answers after Trump's election, and it feels like he's thinking it through in this story. Not in a way to explain why the characters in post-industrial communities that he usually writes about made the choices they did, but the surreal feeling of not understanding the world we live in if it's a place where Trump could be elected. I found this a very satisfying story.
I received an ARC of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2019
I'm used to Russo's busy casts of characters, but in this short story I admit to losing track of who was who. The three central couples are almost totally indistinguishable, other than a timorously-sketched political difference that turns out to be one of the drivers of Russo's theme. I had to keep flipping back to the moment the political schism was revealed to remind myself who was on stage, so to speak, and why it mattered.
There were a couple of editing lapses that surprised me, too, since his novels (the two I've read, anyway) are very tightly crafted despite their sprawling nature.
By the time I reached the end, though, I was glad to have read it. It's a dry, sly commentary on the contemporary political scene; it's just that its construction is not up to Russo's high standards.
There were a couple of editing lapses that surprised me, too, since his novels (the two I've read, anyway) are very tightly crafted despite their sprawling nature.
By the time I reached the end, though, I was glad to have read it. It's a dry, sly commentary on the contemporary political scene; it's just that its construction is not up to Russo's high standards.
December 29, 2019
If you need a Russo fix to finish out 2019, you're in luck! This is a shorty, in digital format only (for now?) but no less real in characterisation than his longer works. No less loaded with highly amusing human foibles layered in with some very familiar, universal issues of marital discord, love, honor, friendship, and troubles within our troubled political times. The way Richard Russo and his signature characters figure out how to do life is one of the reasons I read books, period. Don't be fooled by the title or the premise -- as with all of his writing, some of the most serious and remarkable things are hiding right behind the silly stuff. Just like life.
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