I can’t remember the last time I got so involved in a story where not much happens. Russo has some method of exploring a setting and the characters in it that kept me turning pages without really knowing or caring why. In the process he offers plenty of observations about the characters that we might apply to ourselves, dispelling the illusion that we’re in control of our lives, and consoling us that as hard as that may be, it does not preclude a rich or rewarding life. Eventually there is some drama, of course, and by the time it came I was so wrapped up in the town of Empire Falls that my glacial reading pace experienced significant melting.
6 responses to “Book: Empire Falls / Richard Russo”
Your review sounded good enought for me to order it from the library, where I found that there’s a DVD available on it also, with a stellar cast that is hard to believe!
Thanks for the inspirations!
Yes – we have the movie on our queue also, but I made sure to finish the book first.
Empire Falls is one of my favorite books. There’s a sequel, also good, but not as good as this one. I forgot there’s a movie. I’ll put that on my queue. I find Richard Russo a dependably wonderful writer.
If you like Richard Russo, try Jonathan Franzen, “The Corrections”. Talk about a page turner where not much happens! I really liked this book… and I read both these books at Sean’s recommendation. Thanks, Sean!
I don’t think there’s a sequel to ‘Empire Falls.’ Russo hasn’t published another book since.
His short story collection, ‘A Whore’s Child,’ and ‘Risk Pool’ are also excellent.
I just started ‘The Corrections.’ It sucked me in by page 5.
Scott
i don’t know if there’s a sequel to ’empire falls’ or not, but many of russo’s books take place in the same area and there’s one called ‘mohawk’ that i believe takes place in the same town. if i remember correctly…
‘nobody’s fool’ is also good if you haven’t ruined it first by watching the movie.
and ann, i did an amazon search on mr. franzen and the book i was talking about is called ‘strong motion’ not ‘stormy weather.’
see. i was wrong again. dammit. sorry for the mislead.