Book Reviews of Bridge of Sighs

This is the 4th book I've read from this excellent writer. His characters always come to life, but this one lacks the same charm as Mowhawk and Risk Pool. Still very worth a read.

This is a wonderful read. The author wrote a thought-provoking story of two small town boys from their young school days through their adult years and how family and friends shaped their destinies.

I was enthralled by this book! Richard Russo has the gift of bringing the sad realities of a small manufacturing town in the Northeast to life. This drama examines the relationships between the four prominent families in the town of Thomaston NY. From the poorest to the rich, the threads of their lives weave through forty years. It is a wonderful story that could be anyone's journey into adulthood. Wit, charm, love, heartbreak, treachery, hope...all these emotions are there for the happy reading.

Richard Russo starts off at a slow meadering pace and gently draws you into the story until you reside there anticipating what will happen next. I wasn't sure about this book in the beginning and now that I have finished it I am not sure I can part with it because I know it is a book that I will want to read again and again. Richard Russo once again takes normal every day living and makes it something you do not want to miss and something you want to be apart of. I highly recommend this book. I am afraid you will have to get it from someone else because I am not willing to give up my copy yet!

Almost as captivating as Nobody's Fool, this is one of Russo's best books. The character development and the narrative structure are subtle and both unfold like a morning glory. I slowed my reading pace toward the end because I knew I would miss the characters and didn't want to leave them.

I have some mixed feelings about this one, it felt at times like more than one book to me. There is an incredible amount of detail that at times seems like overkill. On the other hand, there are so many profound thoughts that just blew me away. I would definitely read this, and if, like me, you find yourself rolling your eyes upon occasion at all of the detail, just slog through because I do think you will find it time well spent. I really love this author. I found this a bit more serious than his other books, a little less whimsical-quirky. But the character development is amazing, I really feel like I know these people and would recognize them on the street!

Great!

This is my second Richard Russo book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a long read, but well worth it! He does such an excellent job of making all the characters come alive for the reader!

Thoroughly satisfying. If you enjoy a complex, intricate look at characters lives, actions and motivations you will love this book. The author writes about small town characters and transforms the small town into a character as well. This story is minutely detailed and mesmerizing.