So, I constantly find myself reminding that this work won a Pulitzer Prize. The writing style is both lyrical and descriptive, which gives it a certain charm. The themes explored are indeed interesting enough. It's like a revisit to small town New England, somewhat similar to Peyton Place but with a more refined choice of words.

Many profound themes are delved into, such as lost opportunities in love, the consequences of choosing the wrong life partner, the invasive and destructive impact of man on the surrounding landscape, child abuse/abandonment, bullying, divorce, and school shootings. I did enjoy several parts of this novel, yet it didn't always feel completely true to life for me. I struggled to fully believe in a character like the all-powerful Francine Whiting. In my view, Miles Roby was at least partly complicit in his own "lost chances, going nowhere" dilemmas. However, I understand that there must be conflict to drive a story forward, and some characters will inevitably come across as passive, serving as the watcher rather than the actor who creates or drives the central conflict of the story.

As the story unfolds, we are frequently taken back to idyllic snapshots of time. Miles had a deep love for his mother, and when she was terminally ill with cancer, he made the decision to drop out of school to be by her side. Francine Whiting offers him a job as the manager of a diner in town, which his dying mother had pleaded with him not to do. His mother's wish was for him to break free from the small town life and create a different future for himself.

I had the opportunity to watch the HBO mini-series first, and then I became curious about the novel upon which it was based. The adaptation was relatively faithful to the novel, with only some minor alterations. It was "decent," but the story still didn't come across as entirely real. Ed Harris did a remarkable job, and Paul Newman simply stole the show. His performance was the only truly natural one in the entire movie. Even Joanne Woodward seemed a bit stiff. I understand that New Englanders can be somewhat terse, but the dialogue often felt stilted and unnatural, both in the novel and in the movie.

The characters didn't seem very real to me. I'm not entirely sure why this work won the Pulitzer Prize, but I can't deny that I did enjoy watching this "slice of life" movie and reading the equally "this is how it is in these parts" novel. I rate it a 3.75 out of 5, which I've rounded up to a 4.

If future archaeologists have nothing but novels written over the past 20 years or so to judge our society by, they will come to some rather interesting conclusions.

Nearly everyone seemed to use foul language, although perhaps the future archaeologists won't be aware that it was actually foul language.

Also, it appears that nearly everyone was constantly thinking about sex.

Almost all adults were either divorced, in the process of getting a divorce, or had remarried after being divorced.

Young people spent a significant portion of their lives in a dreaded place called "high school," where all but a tiny elite were ostracized and mocked. (One has to wonder if every author was an outcast in high school?)

All of the above observations apply to Richard Russo's "Empire Falls." In fact, it covers most of what I didn't like about the book.

However, there was still a lot to like. Russo offers a captivating narrative that is, as the cliché goes, hard to put down. He presents interesting characters, although perhaps they lack in depth. It's easy to determine who you're supposed to like and who you're not supposed to like.

The central character, Miles Roby, who runs the Empire Grill in Empire Falls, a town in Maine that seems to be in an irreversible decline, is someone you're supposed to like.

One of the central story lines involves Miles and his teenage daughter Christina, also known as Tick. This relationship was the most appealing part of the book for me. I've wanted to be a dad for a very long time, and I always imagined myself as the father of a daughter. So, I tend to vicariously experience this relationship through overly sentimental movies like "Father of the Bride" and "My Girl," and even in recent episodes of the "Funky Winkerbean" comic strip.

Miles is sort of like the dad I picture myself to be, and Tick is sort of like the daughter I imagine. I like how Miles and Tick find "unintentional humor in the form of gaffes in the Empire Gazette, misspellings in advertisements for local stores, and lapses in logic on printed signs like the one on the brick wall that surrounded the old empty shirt factory: NO TRESPASSING WITHOUT PERMISSION."

Russo writes some excellent sentences, none better than the one at the beginning of Chapter 5, when we learn almost everything there is to know about Miles' father, Max: "The donut shop in Empire Falls had always been one of Max Roby's favorite places because of its smoking policy, which was, 'Go ahead. See if we care.'"

Although "Empire Falls" is an easy read, Russo writes a few sentences that make me stop and think: How's that again? For example: "What Tick's coming to realize is that in some ways Zack's never been interested in her either, though not, she suspects, in the same way he's not interested in Candace."

But maybe that's not such a bad sentence. Perhaps it reflects the way a teenage girl thinks. I wouldn't really know.

Overall, "Empire Falls" has its strengths and weaknesses, but it's still a worthwhile read.

I simply couldn't put this book down! I devoured it within two days, even staying up until the wee hours of the morning, sacrificing my precious sleep.

The characters in this book are truly the stars. They are so exquisitely developed, each one unique and astonishingly real. It's as if they are people I know personally, like dear friends. Their relationships mirror real life, and their rivalries are ones that we have all encountered at some point. There is an abundance of truth within these pages.

The remarkable thing is that nothing in their lives resembles the way I have lived mine. I left my parents' home right after graduating from high school. I served in the military and then pursued higher education, attending college and law school. Each time, I relocated to a different part of the country. I didn't get married or have children until I was in my 30s. In contrast, these characters married their childhood sweethearts, had ongoing rivalries with those who had offended them in high school, and remained in the same small town where they were raised. Their lives were completely opposite to mine, and yet everything about their experiences felt familiar and comforting. I believe it's because the real essence of the story lies in the emotions, and those feelings are universal and understandable to all of us.

Now and then, you stumble upon a book that has the power to captivate you to such a profound extent that you are certain you will keep coming back to it. Maybe it's to soak in the writing style, perhaps to reunite with the characters, or simply to let yourself be submerged in the enchanting atmosphere of that particular book.

"Empire Falls" is precisely such a book. I adored every single page of this novel, despite being aware that there are readers who would tear it apart, making remarks like "nothing ever happens" or "where is the plot?" If you truly intend to read this novel, you must be prepared to encounter a book that focuses predominantly on character development. Richard Russo, the author of this Pulitzer Prize-winning work, devotes his attention mainly to the extensive cast of characters he introduces and develops throughout these 500 pages, while also constructing an atmosphere that will make you feel as if you have been transplanted to Empire Falls, Maine, this peculiar little town with its rich story.

Explaining the events in "Empire Falls" is no easy task, given the large number of characters involved in this novel. We accompany our main character, Miles Roby, on an enlightening journey through his life. However, Russo also frequently delves into the minds of different characters by switching the point of view. All the various narrative arcs converge on Miles Roby, a middle-aged, divorced father who operates the Empire Grill, a greasy spoon diner. We meet his ex-wife Janine Roby, who has adopted a rather selfish attitude since their divorce and whose main concerns now are her weight and social status. Their intelligent daughter Tick faces her own problems at school, where she encounters John Voss, her awkward, introverted classmate. We also meet Miles' younger brother David, a chief cook and former alcoholic; their difficult father Max; and their late mother Grace through numerous flashbacks. Additionally, we are introduced to Janine's arrogant fiancé Walt Comeau, police officer Jimmy Minty who holds a grudge against Miles, his son Zack who was once involved with Tick; and of course Francine Whiting, the widow of the wealthiest man in Empire Falls who now owns half of the town - and especially Miles.

Richard Russo introduces us to a vast number of other characters as well, making it seem rather easy to lose track of who is who and what each character's characteristics are. Nevertheless, Russo always manages to introduce his characters in a highly memorable way, with every single minor character contributing an essential part to the storyline. No person is introduced without a purpose, and they are all developed in a very balanced manner: Good-hearted Miles Roby also has his dark sides, but antagonists such as Zack, Jimmy Minty, or Walt Comeau never come across as stereotypical villains. Russo invests a great deal of time in creating realistic characters, and he not only succeeds but also creates characters that you are unlikely to ever forget.

For me personally, Russo's prose was thought-provoking and memorable, and he also struck the perfect balance between humor and seriousness. At times, you will be unable to suppress your laughter due to Russo's subtle humor. At other times, you will begin to ponder over subjects you never even knew existed. Even now, after having finished this book, I can randomly open it to a page and discover a new aspect to contemplate. Of course, it is possible to identify a plot in this novel, but it is not the most crucial element. In essence, "Empire Falls" can be regarded as a social study, exploring a small town to its very core and delving deep into everyone's secrets without making their stories seem far-fetched or overly melodramatic. All of these characters could very well be your neighbors, that's how realistically Russo portrays them. He ultimately builds up to a thrilling climax, which leads to a satisfying ending that remains true to the essence of the characters and the town.

Many relationships in this novel are defined by either resentment or kindness, but all of these relationships are put to the test throughout the course of the book. Each character has to explore themes such as responsibility or, most importantly, humanity, which is essentially what the book is about in my opinion. What makes us human? What defines humanity? Can we call ourselves human despite all our flaws?

The blurb of the edition I own describes the novel as having "characters who will disarm you, a plot with as many twists and turns as the Knox River [the river that flows through Empire Falls] itself, and an ending that will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck." I couldn't agree more. Even when I set this book aside, I could never resist returning to it in my thoughts. And let's take a moment to appreciate that beautiful cover (at least in the edition to which I have linked my review).

I should mention that perhaps I should have hated this book rather than loved it; after all, I haven't been able to motivate myself to read anything for about five weeks after finishing "Empire Falls" - I simply couldn't imagine finding something equally good again. But this was only my personal experience, so if you plan to read this novel, don't set your expectations too high. Russo's prose is so simple yet beautiful that I was constantly tempted to reread chapters immediately. In addition, Russo tends to construct complex sentences and convey a wealth of information within his sentences, which is why you will have to read each chapter very carefully to understand the characters' conflicts and the background stories.

I can honestly say that Russo's novel has changed my life to some extent (even though I realize how dramatic that sounds). His prose provides a constant source of food for thought, making you reevaluate your own values and standards by posing questions like, "What would I do if I were in the same situation as this character?"

Many other reviewers have already lauded this novel, so I don't think I've been able to add anything new to what they've already written. However, I truly hope that Richard Russo will continue to receive the recognition he deserves for this masterful novel he has created. It should be noted, though, that if you typically only read fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers, or romance novels, you may not enjoy this one as much.

For readers of literary/adult/realistic fiction (or whatever this genre may be called), I would consider this novel a safe bet. You won't be disappointed.

* * * * * * *

If you're still interested, I'm going to provide you with some additional information on the TV mini-series that was closely adapted from Russo's novel in 2005.

The show is able to convey a very similar atmosphere to that depicted in the novel. The series boasts a stellar cast: Ed Harris, Helen Hunt, Paul Newman, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Joanne Woodward, Kate Burton, William Fichtner, and Aidan Quinn. Over the course of 200 minutes, the series portrays every major event from the novel in a very similar manner, and strikes the right balance between its own decisions and the book's original elements. There's not much wrong with this series, except perhaps that - just like the novel itself - I didn't want it to end once I started watching it.

You are immediately drawn into the atmosphere of the story, and the brilliant actors make all of these characters instantly seem interesting. Paul Newman brings all his acting prowess to his performance as Max Roby, a role very different from his iconic ones such as Butch Cassidy, Henry Gondorff, or Cold Hand Luke. Ed Harris shines as Miles Roby, a role in which he is finally able to play more than just the antagonist (although Harris always does so convincingly) or the minor character that his roles are often reduced to in many movies. Robin Wright gracefully makes the role of Grace her own, although she still only shows us small glimpses of what she is truly capable of. Those three actors stood out for me in the most memorable way, but in the end, there wasn't a single performance that disappointed me.

Ultimately, I would highly recommend watching this series... if you've read the book. The series works well on its own, but it works even better after having read the book first.

What a wonderful book and movie! The book, with its vivid descriptions and engaging storyline, takes the reader on an unforgettable journey. It weaves a tale that is both captivating and thought-provoking, making it a true literary gem.

The movie, on the other hand, brings the story to life in a whole new way. The stunning visuals, excellent acting, and masterful direction combine to create a cinematic experience that is truly magical. It allows the audience to immerse themselves in the world of the story and feel the emotions of the characters as if they were their own.

Both the book and the movie have their own unique charm and appeal. Whether you prefer the written word or the visual medium, you are sure to be impressed by this wonderful creation. So, if you haven't already, be sure to check out this amazing book and movie and discover the magic for yourself!

Diverting one's attention from the past was not the same as envisioning and embarking upon a future. (p. 19) This appears to be the central theme of Empire Falls by Richard Russo. However, my main issue with this novel is that there seems to be a lack of progress towards the future. Every character in the book is deeply entangled in the misdeeds of their parents and grandparents, as well as their own, making it difficult for them to break free and embrace a new future.

Even when the parents hope and dream that their children will have a better future, the offspring seem fated to disappoint. And when they do take a few steps forward, the weight of their past pulls them back into a pit of despair. At the end of the book, I was left feeling as depressed as I was after watching The Last Picture Show for the first time. As a minister, I found this novel to be a powerful illustration of the biblical concept that "the wage of sin is death."

Despite its flaws, Empire Falls does have some redeeming qualities. There are touching moments that are beautifully written and insights that are worth pondering. For example, the conversation between Father Mark and Miles about the proximity of God is both thought-provoking and moving. Father Mark admits that as a child, he believed that God lived in the steeple and that when they sang hymns, they were calling to Him to come down and be among them. Miles, on the other hand, is more concerned about falling. The exchange suggests that as children, we find comfort in the imagined closeness of God, while as adults, we may take more solace in His remoteness.

Later in the book, the same priest compares God to his maternal grandmother, who gave gifts of cash to her grandchildren based on her relationship with their parents, not on how much they loved her. The implication is that God is the opposite of the vindictive grandmother, giving out of love rather than spite.

However, there are also some theological inaccuracies in the book. For instance, on page 261, a prayer is said to be answered because "God will sometimes respond to a request that's carelessly phrased." I believe that Russo has混淆了 "magic" and "prayer." While the devil may look for loopholes in our prayers, God responds according to His wisdom and love, not our careless words.

In conclusion, Empire Falls was a stimulating read, but it was not without its flaws. It was colorful and engaging, but not well-structured enough to be considered a great work of literature.

I truly adored the week that I spent in the company of the people of Empire Falls. It makes me wonder why on earth I waited for such a long time to read this remarkable book.

Throughout the story, there was a plethora of events that took place, both good and bad. It was a rollercoaster of emotions that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were so vividly portrayed that I felt as if I was right there with them, experiencing their joys and sorrows.

I became so invested in the story that I simply did not want the book to come to an end. It was a literary masterpiece that left a lasting impression on me.

I would毫不犹豫地 give this book a 5/5 rating. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-written and engaging story.

Nope. I just do not like Russo.

This is the 3rd time I have tried him out, and I don't know. Maybe it's just that I do not like his style.

People give his work great acclaim, but I have yet to find one of his books that I've been able to complete.

I guess that it's just me. I have tried reading his books several times, but something about his writing just doesn't click with me.

Maybe it's the way he tells the story, or the characters he creates. I'm not sure.

But no matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to get into his books.

--Jen from Quebec :0(

I absolutely loved the book. The characters were so well-developed and engaging that I felt as if I knew them personally.

It was truly a remarkable piece of writing, and it made me realize how an author should write to capture the reader's attention and hold it until the very end.

From the moment I started reading, I was hooked. I couldn't put the book down, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

The story was filled with twists and turns, and the author did an excellent job of keeping me on the edge of my seat.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read. It's a must-read for all book lovers out there.

As I gently put down EMPIRE FALLS after turning the last page, it suddenly dawned on me with a profound realization: "I have to read another book now, don't I."

From the very first page, I found myself completely captivated by the wonderful yet flawed characters that Richard Russo had so masterfully created in this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

The town of Empire Falls, Maine, became a world unto itself, and as I reached the end and had to leave it behind, it felt as if I was parting with a dear friend.

The emotions that Russo managed to evoke through his words were truly remarkable. The characters' struggles, dreams, and disappointments became my own, and I was left with a sense of longing and a desire to explore more of the literary worlds that awaited me.

I knew that I couldn't simply stop reading after experiencing the magic of EMPIRE FALLS. There were countless other stories out there, just waiting to be discovered and cherished.

So, with a newfound sense of excitement and anticipation, I set out to find my next literary adventure.

Empire Falls is a town in a state of decay. It is the place where Miles lives with his daughter Tick, and it is the village where he has to raise a child.

Among the locals of Empire Falls is Ms. Whiting, who is Miles' life enemy in disguise, and her daughter Cindy, who is forever in love with him.

As Miles attempts to construct a better life for himself and Tick, he is faced with some astonishing secrets from his mother's past that still have an impact on his life. Meanwhile, his daughter is the surviving victim of a tragedy that brings Empire Falls into the news.

The author's writing about this poor American town and the wretched fates of its locals is truly wonderful. It vividly描绘s the desolation and struggles of the people in Empire Falls, making the readers empathize with their situations. The complex relationships and hidden secrets add depth and intrigue to the story, making it a captivating read.

Overall, the article provides a poignant and engaging look at a small town and its inhabitants, highlighting the themes of love, loss, and the search for a better life.

Just because things unfold slowly doesn't imply you'll be prepared for them. If they occurred rapidly, you'd be on high alert for all kinds of sudden changes, aware that speed was of the essence. However, "slow" operates under an entirely different principle, creating the deceptive impression that there's an abundance of time to prepare. This, in turn, conceals the crucial fact that no matter how sluggish things progress, you'll always be slower.

The story of Miles Roby, his family, and his hometown is one of a gradual decline. You can observe it happening, you're witnessing it, but for Miles, it occurs over the course of a lifetime. He might be too slow and too closely involved to anticipate the next dip in the road. Perhaps it's just the folly of hope. The downward pressure accumulates, yet there persists the hope of relief, especially for someone who has spent their life striving to do the "right" thing, grinding away to make slow progress. There's a sense that something has to give, or everything might just completely fall apart.

For Miles Roby, Empire Falls feels like a tenacious trap. He was nearly free when he went off to college, but circumstances and certain individuals lured him back, and he hasn't managed, nor truly dared, to extricate himself from it since. Managing the local grill for the dwindling number of locals who have remained wasn't his original plan, and it certainly wasn't his mother's plan for him. If he hadn't returned, Miles wouldn't currently be living above the grill he manages, having left his home to his soon-to-be ex-wife, whom he discovered had been cheating on him. Nor would he be serving his wife's insufferable lover on a daily basis, nor operating his business (and largely his entire life) at the whim of the imperious local magnate, Francine Whiting. It's not all bad, though. Without returning, Miles wouldn't have his daughter, Tick.
Tick Roby is a bright and mature teenager, but even she isn't immune to teenage angst, politics, and small cruelties. Tick's part of the story is once again slightly disturbing, relatable, and oddly hopeful. As with each subsection of the community, there's a cast of dynamic characters, ranging from the most unfortunate to the domineering bully.
Occasionally, one reaches a point where they know they need to seize their desires, their hopes, or let them go forever. This story is about the daily struggles, the endless dreams, the slow decline, but also the small kindnesses. I see many similarities to Philip Roth's American Pastoral in this book, although Miles himself may be closer to Quoyle in The Shipping News than to the Swede. This is a unique perspective with a unique set of characters, but the backstory is perhaps not so uncommon.