LIFE AND ART Essays

Richard Russo is thoughtful and reflective as he narrates his new collection of essays, which has two parts. The first half, "Life," focuses on his family and his blue-collar hometown in upstate New York; the second half, "Art," delves into the writing process and how writers essentially steal ideas from the world around them. He poignantly states, "All art thrives on conflict." Russo is conversational as he narrates his own work, candidly detailing his own conflict, relating to class and status. The essays tend to become repetitive when Russo discusses his parents' rocky relationship and the mental illness that crippled both his mother and grandmother. But, overall, this work is deeply personal while remaining relatable to listeners. C.A.P. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2025]