this novel is overstuffed with b.s.....any plot which is less interesting than 99% of the average person's lives deserves to stay in the desk drawer....dull, dull, dull

This novel was even better than Empire Falls, as many of the characters were richer and deeper.Particularly loved Noonan and Sarah, who are both unforgettable. There is so much in everyone's life, both beautiful, terrible and ordinary, that Russo reflects here that anyone can find a resonance in her or his own life.A truly great novel indeed!I for one will reread and reread.

I've enjoyed all of Richard Russo's books (the best, I think, is "Nobody's Fool"), and "Bridge of Sighs" is another excellent addition to his amazing work. I too grew up in a decaying small town in New York state, so I can relate to Thomaston and its denizens. No other author writes about the highs and lows of life like Russo does. While I'm not 100% keen on how this book ended, I loved most of it. As someone whose life hasn't turned out like I thought/hoped it would, I could easily sympathize with the characters and the story.

On a different note, I live less than a mile from Rick Russo and I see him often around town. I have also twice interviewed him for articles in our local paper. Thus, I can share some insights into this book that other reviewers can't. I met with him just before "Bridge of Sighs" was released. He said that of course he felt pressure about following up on a Pulitzer-Prize winning novel, but that the pressure was good because he felt compelled to do his best work. Some reviewers have claimed that the novel needed better editing. Rick told me that at one point the manuscript reached almost 1,000 pages and that he knew he required help from his longtime editor. He followed his editor's suggestions, made massive revisions, and was happy with the finished product, which of course is complex; Russo's novels aren't short page-turners. For those who say the novel is too dark, Rick told me that this is definitely his darkest novel. (News flash for those who think it's too depressing: for many people life is full of despair.)

Sure, this book is long and complex; Rick said it's his most ambitious book yet. And this powerful novel succeeds as an insightful examination of life, both good and bad. If you want easy reading, don't look here. If it's not a masterpiece, it's damn close.

Two final notes... First, Richard Russo is an incredibly amiable, witty, brilliant (but private) man. Second, he hinted that his next novel will revisit characters from "Nobody's Fool."

This is a great book. The criticisms and the one-star reviews are absurd.

I am a real fan of Russo, but could not relate to the protagonist in his latest novel.
Also, did not believe his action regarding the letter from Italy was in character.

There is such a genuine feel to Richard Russo's writing, that every character comes to life on the page. Yes this book may be more sentimental than its predecessors, but that comes from the personality of the characters themselves. It is another moving tale of life in small town and how the stomping grounds of youth leave an indelible imprint on our loves and our lives. I haven't been so emotionally immersed in a book in a long time, and I loved every word of it. His prose and insight are astounding, and worth a second read to really relish his achievement. Bravo Russo!!