In all of his novels evaluated Richard Russo wrote things that fit into the theme of social roles in small towns. ... Thus in various ways, many of the characters of the story are connected in some way, which is usually true in any small town. ... During the story it is in a time of decline. ... He tries to give them hope, without having any idea of the future himself, and he finds himself pondering the balance of friendship and integrity. ... "Fearing I was forever tenured on drab "Pleasant," where nothing dramatically good or bad could happen, where I was fully insured against catastrophe, I...

• Word Count: 2605
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School