Life and Art

PRE-ORDER FOR MAY 13, 2025

Life and Art by Richard Russo

A Masterful Essay Collection from the Pulitzer Prize–Winning Author of Somebody’s Fool
Stories about storytelling, reflections on family, and the mysteries that make a life worth writing about.

In Life and Art, celebrated novelist and Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Russo delivers a deeply moving, sharply observed collection of twelve personal essays that explore the dynamic interplay between creativity, relationships, and the human experience.

From the painful complexities of family conflict to the exhilarating (and sometimes exasperating) task of writing fiction, Russo meditates on how the stories we tell shape our lives—and how our lives shape the stories we tell.

🖋️ In “The Lives of Others,” Russo wrestles with the ethical terrain of turning real people into fictional characters.
🖋️ In “Triage,” he shares a harrowing moment from his grandson’s medical emergency with emotional clarity.
🖋️ In “Stiff Neck,” he reflects on ideological rifts and love in the age of COVID.
🖋️ In “Ghosts,” he returns to his hometown of Gloversville, exploring the real and imagined landscapes that have long fueled his fiction.

📚 Perfect for fans of literary nonfiction, memoirs, and writing life reflections
📚 A must-read for writers, readers, and lovers of thoughtful storytelling
📚 From the author of The Destiny Thief, Empire Falls, and Straight Man

Format: Hardcover
Genre: Literary Nonfiction, Essay Collection, Memoir
Themes: Writing, Creativity, Family, Identity, Memory
Audience: Readers of Anne Lamott, Joan Didion, George Saunders, and creative writing enthusiasts

✨ Life and Art is a beautifully written, intimate look at the craft of storytelling and the real-life experiences that inspire it. With warmth, wit, and hard-won wisdom, Richard Russo offers readers a rare glimpse into the inner world of a master storyteller.