Empire Falls

In Richard Russo's latest novel, set in the struggling town of Empire Falls, Maine, the story follows Miles Roby as he navigates the challenges of small-town life marked by decline and personal obligation. Once a promising youth, Miles finds himself tethered to his deteriorating family responsibilities, including a failing business and a complicated divorce, while striving to support his daughter, Tick, through her adolescent struggles. With a keen observation of the intertwined lives of the community’s residents, the narrative explores themes of hope, despair, and the enduring complexity of human relationships, weaving a poignant tale that reflects both the heart and hardships of blue-collar America.