A Conversation with Richard Russo: Part II -- Of Destiny and Grace

"I think it's the language of Catholicism that stays with me," says Richard Russo in this second part of my interview with him about his new novel 'Bridge of Sighs.' Like many of his characters, Russo was raised as a Roman Catholic, and the powerful words of that religion's dogma -- grace, for example -- run throughout this book. However, the most powerful theme of 'Bridge of Sighs' might be belief in general.

As Russo explains here, his narrator Lucy Lynch's strongest belief is not in God or religion, but in his father "Big Lou's" unshakeable optimism and faith that in America anyone can cross the great divide that separates social classes. I hope you'll enjoy being in Russo's company for a few more minutes... and I hope that if you've read or are reading 'Bridge of Sighs' that you'll share your thoughts here.