Book Review: Everybody’s fool by Richard Russo

This was my first time reading a sequel novel and I am happy that it was one by Richard Russo. Everybody's Fool is a sequel to Nobody's Fool, making it my fourth Russo novel read.

I have stated before that I found Nobody's fool comforting and a joy to read. The sequel not only lives up to the first part, but goes on to make the plot even more interesting and compelling. The author succeeded in providing the readers with familiarity with most of the main characters, all while introducing new characters that really blend well with the plot. This honestly is no easy task and doing this so effortlessly is what makes Richard Russo one of my favorite authors.

While the first part was centered mainly around Sully, I feel like the second part was shared between Sully and his old nemesis Douglas Raymer. It was so refreshing to see the story from multiple people's perspectives. This not only lets the readers relate to and sympathize with the characters, it also shows the vulnerability and imperfections of each character. Every character's flaws and inner turmoil are so well described that the reader could really feel their emotions. Being able to show every character's insecurities, even the ones of antagonists, Russo has made the novel a clear reflection of real life.

The novel really provides a closure for many events that have occurred throughout the first and second part of the novel series. There are even more laugh out loud moments in this novel compared to it's prequel, along with many heartfelt scenes. Although, I was a bit skeptical about how well the second part would measure up to the first, after reading Everybody's fool, I can say with confidence that not only does it live up to the first part, it ties loose ends and creates a perfect ending!

My admiration for the author has continued to increase and I am utmost certain that I will continue to read his other works as it provides this comfort and goodness of small town America.

-Rithin.