On August 5, 2025, Oprah Winfrey announced that she has selected Richard Russo’s acclaimed 2007 novel Bridge of Sighs for the latest season of her celebrated Oprah’s Book Club. This choice is notable as Winfrey often highlights new titles, but in this instance, she revived a nearly 20-year-old novel, bringing renewed attention to a classic work of American literature centered on small-town life, complex relationships, and enduring human struggles.

Bridge of Sighs is set in a fictional rural town in upstate New York during the 1950s and 1960s, exploring the lives of longtime friends Lou Lynch and his wife Sarah, who plan a trip to Venice to reconnect with their old friend Bobby, a painter who left town years ago. The novel delves into themes of family drama, unrequited love, friendship, and the socioeconomic tensions of the era. Russo’s layered narrative alternates between Lou’s first-person memoir and the broader story surrounding the characters, which has been praised for its emotional depth and rich portrayal of American small-town life.

Oprah described Bridge of Sighs as a “classic summer read” packed with romance, epic family drama, and lifetime friendships, inviting both longtime fans of Russo and new readers to experience his storytelling prowess. In a statement, she said, “If you’re a fan of Richard Russo or discovering him for the first time, here’s your opportunity to read one of America’s most beloved writers.” Russo, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for works such as Empire Falls and Nobody’s Fool, expressed his delight at the selection, saying it was “a profound honor” to have the book introduced to a new generation of readers two decades after its publication.

Winfrey and Russo’s recent conversation, filmed at a Starbucks in Seattle (the current partner for Oprah’s Book Club), is available on Oprah’s YouTube channel and various podcast platforms. The discussion centers on the novel’s themes, Russo’s inspiration, and the challenges of writing such a complex, character-driven story. Russo remarked on returning to his book after many years, noting how significant it was to revisit the novel and engage again with its characters and themes.

Critics and readers alike have praised Bridge of Sighs for its beautifully wrought storytelling and evocative depiction of the contradictions and transformations of mid-20th century America. Its revival through Oprah’s Book Club promises to spark insightful discussions on the enduring human experiences depicted in the novel.

In summary, Oprah Winfrey’s selection of Richard Russo’s Bridge of Sighs for her book club shines a spotlight on a richly nuanced story of small-town America, friendship, and the complexities of life. The announcement encourages readers to explore a revered novel that continues to resonate with themes of love, loss, and longing. Fans can look forward to engaging with the book alongside Oprah’s curated content and discussions on her digital platforms.