49 pages • 1 hour read
Everybody's Fool
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Book Brief
Super Short Summary
Everybody's Fool by Richard Russo, the second novel in the North Bath trilogy, is set in the quirky, troubled town of North Bath, New York, and unfolds over a single Memorial Day Weekend. The tragicomic story follows characters like Police Chief Douglas Raymer and Donald "Sully" Sullivan as they navigate personal and communal turmoil while grappling with existential themes and the complexity of moral endeavors in a seemingly arbitrary world. The novel contains domestic violence and racist language.
Humorous
Gritty
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Richard Russo's Everybody's Fool impresses with its richly drawn characters and deft humor, continuing the saga from Nobody's Fool. While the plot can feel meandering, Russo's skillful prose and the emotional depth make it a worthwhile read. Some find the sequel less impactful than its predecessor, but it remains a compelling exploration of small-town life. Russo, Richard. Everybody's Fool. Vintage, 2017.
Who Should Read Everybody's Fool?
A reader who enjoys humor, small-town dynamics, and richly drawn characters will love Richard Russo’s Everybody’s Fool. Comparable to fans of John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany and Anne Tyler’s Breathing Lessons, this book blends wit and poignant storytelling, appealing to those who appreciate life's quirks and complexities.
Sully
Sully
A character from the earlier novel in the series, Sully is a man renowned for his independence and detachment. Throughout the story, he contends with his affection for those around him, and his complicated relationship with Ruth and her family.
Ruth
Ruth
Ruth is Sully's former lover who deals with the complications of her difficult marriage to Zack, concern for her daughter Janey, and her granddaughter Tina. She embodies a maternal presence in the community café.
Roy Purdy
Roy Purdy
The primary antagonist of the story, Roy returns from prison to North Fork. He is involved in violent and abusive actions that disrupt the lives of Ruth, Janey, and others.
Charice
Charice
Charice is an ambitious police officer in North Bath who has a significant impact on Raymer's life. She is caught between her professional ambitions, personal feelings for Raymer, and her loyalty to her brother Jerome.
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