THAT OLD CAPE MAGIC by Richard Russo

That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars Rick Russo’s new book contains some familiar, beloved elements for Russo-philes– a devoted, exhausted wife; a smart, snarky daughter; an irritating mother who doesn’t stop meddling, even after death–and at the center, a restless, loving soul, this time the professor Griffin, who wrestles with life’s meaning, love, and legacy. But there’s new ground here too, not least in the brevity and economy of the story. Plus, at times CAPE MAGIC is more laugh out loud funny than any Russo book in recent memory. Above all, I found the faint whiff of mortality hovering over these pages, which gave the tale a sense of gravity and sobriety even in the midst of its comic moments. Russo, of course, is my dear friend, and so I’m biased. But I think he’s one of the best American novelists, ever, and CAPE MAGIC is one of his best. Russo departs today on a multi-city book tour, so catch him if you can. View all my reviews >>