Nobody Asked Me But:
My definition of excellence for a book is that it holds my interest while making me think and feel. Richard Russo’s “Bridge Of Sighs” qualifies on all three accounts.
The novel’s two main characters are word pictures of contrasting ways to live. One is almost always good and kind. The other is on occasion a bastard. One takes risks and follows impulses. The other has no desire to do so. One challenges the real world. The other builds a fantasy world where love and kindness always triumph, or at least should.
I liked both of these men, but I liked the risk-taker far more. That’s why the book made me feel uneasy. I used to be a risk-taker – and a pretty nice guy too. But as my years pile up, I have mostly settled on being, and please forgive my lack of modesty here, the nice guy.
Don’t misunderstand. I like my life. I like who I am. But I would like both better if I took a few more chances. It is not easy, especially as one gets older and the list of risk possibilities gets shorter. But it is possible. I can still wrap one arm around all that I hold dear and with the other reach for some star upon which I have wished.
So this is why “Bridge Of Sighs” was an excellent book. It reminded me of who I am – and who I want to be.
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