low-stakes enjoyment. little pockets of goodness. you can still be lonely in a small town, that’s for sure. very human, which is lovely. everyone striving to live their lives - aren’t we all trying to do the same!!
the women characters could’ve been better

One shudders at the thought of the meaninglessness of life while at the same instant, if the people of the town are his people, one loves life so intensely that tears come into the eyes.