Straight Man

Straight Man (1997) by Richard Russo. An early book by the author of "Empire Falls." William Henry Devereaux Jr. is the unlikely chairman of the English Department of an obscure state university in Pennsylvania. Around him Russo builds a portrait of life in academe, with all its attendant absurdities and even hilarities. This is a most amusing book, with engaging characters and funny, sometimes poignant situations. Grade: A-