Russo's Mom

 "Elsewhere" by Richard Russo is a brutally honest review of his upbringing.  His mother is the center and his life, then his wife's, and finally his children's all are affected by her.  

    Nothing could satisfy his mother.  She wanted out of town but then she wanted to go back.  She wanted to work but every job was unsatisfactory.  She wanted friends but they weren't right for her.

    Through it all, Richard Russo did the best he could.  He had a life and family and tried to make it all work.  It was impossible.

    Later, after her death, he could see that she was mentally and emotionally ill.  It probably ran in the family.  At the time, however, going through it, you are caught up trying to keep afloat through the tumultuous cares of each day.  You do the best you can.  Many would have quit, but Russo isn't made that way.  He is lovingly loyal and has faith that all things pass and things will get better.  

     I see Russo in his fictitious characters.  I see Russo's hometown in his novels.  I see an acknowledgment of the reality of situations with hopeful eyes looking ahead.