About:
Empire Falls by Richard Russo takes place in a blue-collar town in Maine, who is on the verge of decay as the world passes them by. The novel won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize.
- 483 pages
- Publisher : Vintage
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 0375726403
My rating for Empire Falls – 5
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More books by Richard Russo*
Thoughts:
This is an empathetic and often funny story of the decay of a small town. The mill, which supplied many of the jobs, has closed but the economy keeps churning. The novel’s overall theme touches on how the town’s history, and personal history, still matters in current events.
The intriguing part of Empire Falls by Richard Russo is the characterization of each one of the town’s people. White they are all ordinary people, their interior lives are extraordinary-like everyone living and ever lived I’d imagine. Each person is layered and well written, with ambitions, sense of duty (on some level), bitterness and wit.
The town of Empire Falls is a character all by itself. The closed down shirt factory is always looming in the background, and the polluted river flows mimics the way the town’s residents feels about themselves.
The novel is a fantastic read, yet a slow burn, it is an observational comedy with a cozy feel. But before I knew it, the book turned into a tragedy reminding me, and the characters, that outside the borders of Empire Falls, the world is still dangerous and is galloping forward.
I enjoyed the dialogue which captures New England land wit and charm to a tee. You can easily tell who is New England upper class struggling with legacy, and who carries the weight of the working person trying to make a living in dignity.
The human spirit is a strong part of the book, along with small town secrets. The American Dream is always in the background, but the charm is the American people themselves.
Synopsis:
Miles Roby manages the Empire Grill, he is kind, patient, and a good father. However, Miles loyalty to the town which is in an obvious down spiral, crumbling down around him.
Miles challenges include his relationship with his soon-to-be ex-wife, and his daughter, Tick, as well as his father. Mrs. Whiting, the wealthy widow who owns half the town also keeps Miles close to her, and under her thumb.
Buy Empire Falls from Amazon.com*
More books by Richard Russo*
Zohar — Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I bought this book.
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