Recently my book group read Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo, a book I had savored more than a year ago. But a year later, with the complications of aging and excess information crowding my brain, I had almost completely forgotten the novel. What I did remember was my reaction to Bridge of Sighs — joy and admiration.
I decided to reread the book. Initially, I thought I would skim through the novel and its contents would all come back to me. But once again I became caught in Russo’s magic spell — his masterful prose, his complex plotting and his insightful characterizations. I ended up slowing myself down to reread Bridge of Sighs almost as if I were reading it for the first time.
On a second reading I did have a little more distance and was able to step outside the book and watch the author at work. I could see how he simultaneously seduces the reader while skillfully delivering his significant themes.
Despite the close examination a second reading entails, Bridge of Sighs remains a great read and continues to be one of my all-time favorites. And I am very excited that Russo has a new book coming out on August 4, That Old Cape Magic. Reserve it now!
I have a question for Shelf Talk readers. Would you rather read a new book or reread a favorite? Which favorite book might you like to reread? I know my candidates for rereading — the two middles: Middlemarch and Middlesex. ~ Susan F., Fiction Department
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