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[what I read in 2002]

The Risk Pool ::
  by (published 1986)
  read: 1 September 2002
  rating: [+]

There’s a certain sub-genre of literature out there that, though it has no formal name (at least that I know of), is well-defined and recognizable. Books of this sub-genre usually take place in rural New York or New England, and always seem to address the dysfunction that occurs in small towns in that region. That usually means that alcoholism plays some role in the characters' lives, as well does neglect and sometimes emotional, if not physical or sexual abuse. Many of the characters of these books are uneducated, and depend on seasonal manual labor that is risky for their income. Then they usually squander the small amount of money they make on their self-destructive lifestyles. In this setting, the hero is many times a child who, as we watch him grow up, we get the sense is cut out for more than what his small town can provide for him. He is destined for great things, like a higher education, student loans, a house in the suburbs of some city out west. This is our hero.

I bring this up becauseThe Risk Pool fits into this genre all too perfectly. Which is not to say that it is a simplistic or predictable. In this book, Russo seems uses the sub-genre as a platform, as a good starting point, from which he can build his story. It’s is an interesting technique that is characteristic of his writing style -- keep the plot structure simple and recognizable, then focus on the development of the characters. He is then able to keep me interested by creating a character I could understand, sympathize with, and laugh at, which is what kept me compelled enough to continue turning pages. Which is not an easy thing to do, especially when I look back on all the books I tried to read in the past year that failed to keep my attention.

So would find plenty of evidence to support a claim that Russo is a sub-genre writer. You might even be able to claim that he does nothing new or innovative with the novel. But what he does do, with all the books I’ve read of his, is create characters that are as unique and real as a old friend. That’s a quality of a narrative that transcends any sort of quantification of the newness of his writing style. I find his sort of talent talent is invaluable and unquantifiable, and it keeps me interested in his work.

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