By Richard Russo
Richard Russo’s Nobody’s Fool is a richly observed, character-driven novel set in a worn-down New England town that feels completely lived in.
The story centers on Sully, a stubborn, aging construction worker navigating strained family relationships, small-town grudges, and the realization that time is catching up with him—whether he’s ready or not.
It took me a little while to settle into Russo’s writing style and to get my bearings as all the characters and storylines came together. There’s a lot going on here, and Russo takes his time building the town and its people. But once it clicked, I was all in.
The book is funny, warm, frustrating, and deeply human, capturing the rhythms and quiet dramas of small-town life beautifully. I ended up thoroughly enjoying it, gave it 4.5 stars, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from the series.