61 pages 2 hours read

Richard Russo

Empire Falls

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Empire Falls by Richard Russo, Miles Roby manages the Empire Grill in a declining small town, unable to escape due to family obligations. He grapples with his daughter Tick's well-being, his ex-wife Janine's new relationship, and his manipulative employer Mrs. Whiting, while reflecting on missed opportunities and secret regrets. The narrative explores themes of family, faith, and hope amidst economic and social decay. The story includes depictions of abuse and gun violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Empire Falls by Richard Russo beautifully captures small-town life with rich character development and wit. While some find its pacing slow and ending predictable, its deeply human insights and engaging plot are widely praised. Overall, Russo’s storytelling offers a poignant, reflective experience despite minor flaws in narrative momentum.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Empire Falls?

Readers who relish deep character studies and small-town dynamics will enjoy Richard Russo's Empire Falls. Fans of John Irving's The Cider House Rules or Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge will appreciate the novel’s rich tapestry of human experiences and poignant storytelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

American Literature

Humor

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Relationships

Themes

Relationships: Mothers

Relationships: Fathers

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed