Sh*tshow

By: Richard Russo

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Length: 1 hr and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

A Vintage Shorts Short Story original.

David and Ellie didn’t realize how much they have missed their friends, two other couples who had moved out of their modest neighborhood in a desert city for the comforts of the suburbs, until the day of Donald Trump’s election. Separated also from their daughter who lived hours away in California, they were in a funk. But, when Ellie discovers a repellant offering floating in the small Jacuzzi in their backyard, David is blindsided. Little does he know this is but the first in a chain of grisly events that would play out in their lives with devastating consequences.

In this darkly humorous, incisive, and absorbing political parable, written with the remarkable humanity he’s beloved for with countless fans, Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Russo probes how deeply, yet imperceptibly, fissures can form amongst friends, neighbors, and families.

©2019 Richard Russo (P)2019 Random House Audio

Awesome read

Richard Russo(one of my absolute favorites) has done it again. Tells it just like I feel it!

Entertaining

I was entertained. It’s no Empire Falls but I enjoyed it. I expected more Trump years angst based on the description.

Thanks! I needed this!

Spend an hour and some with Richard Russo and you become a little sadder, a little more connected, and lifted up in an odd, intangible way.

This is a story about being old enough but still ok in the age of Trump, and what it costs practically and personally. At the end, you still catch that little thread of .....something that keeps a life going.

"If this doesn't work, try something else."

Not worth an Audible Credit

Vintage Russo. 5 star all around if you like Russo’s style of writing. But too short to be worth a full Audible credit.

Just Fine

I was pleasantly surprised that this takes place in Tucson and I appreciated the references to local places. The story was relatable, and funny at times. However I was really hoping there would be more to the story; maybe my expectations were too high for a short story.

Richard Russo lite

I love Richard Russo. I've read all of his books and loved almost all of them (except Bridge of Sighs). He is such a keen observer of human nature and his characters are always vivid and entertaining. This novella is no exception, but given it's short length, it's hard to get invested in it in the same way you do his other books.

A word about the narrator, Mark Bramhall. I became aware of him when he did Russo's Everbody's Fool. He is a master at bringing unique characters to life. His interpretations bring nuances to the characters that you wouldn't get if it were another narrator and you certainly wouldn't get reading it on your own. He has become one of my top 2 or 3 narrators. I'd listen to him read anything.

Splendid

A genius short story, as one would expect from Russo. Genuinely excellent narration as well.

Audible RIPOFF

First let me say I am a big Russo fan, and have read most of his novels. I was excited to see this new title and gladly paid my one monthly credit to give it a go. I was shocked when after only one hour and seven minutes came the audible announcement "we hope you have enjoyed blah blah blah". This is not a book - it is a short story and should be offered as a free bonus when purchasing a "real" Russo full-length novel or collection. The low rating is for Audible, not Russo.

Should have paid more attention to the title

Meh. Too much discussion of poop. Like a lot of it. I had recently finished Nobody's Fool (such a wonderful book!) when I chose this, and I was hoping for a mini version of that kind of fabulousness. No such luck.

Politics

Ugh…Russo is one of my favorite writers….but the politics in this piece turned me off