Poignant, Touching Novel

Empire Falls is a poignant, touching novel that follows several intricately woven characters through their everyday lives in their small Maine town.

The Plot:

Empire Falls is the story of Miles Roby, an intelligent, sensitive man whose quiet, academic ambitions were interrupted when his mother fell ill with terminal cancer. Miles quit college halfway through his final year to come back and care for her, and after her death, because of one complication after another, finds himself still managing the Empire Grille, a run-down cafe, in Empire falls, a run-down, economically deteriorating town.

Miles's soon to be ex-wife Janine has left him for a pompous fitness freak. Miles's daughter is a bright and beautiful teenager whose wit and intelligence make her feel and seem a lonely outcast. Mile's father is a grumbling miscreant who's always trying to charm free booze off of anyone with more sense than money. And Mile's confidants include a priest who might be struggling with his own sexuality, a younger brother who lost one arm in a drunk-driving accident, and his soon to be ex-mother-in-law.

Miles himself feels both trapped and helpless to either help change his life or those of his loved ones. He continually struggles between the loyalty he feels towards his boss and a longing to do more and be more in his life.


What I think:

Many of the characters are alternately endearing and infuriating, but each is wonderfully believable and real. Russo unfolds his drama as a master story-teller. And while you may guess some of the plot "twists," the writing is so rich and involving that you won't really mind. Though the novel sometimes veers a little toward sentimental reflections and self-examinations that slow the plot somewhat, overall, the pacing is excellent. You truly feel as though you are experiencing a small portion of these people's lives. And what's more, you genuinely care about the outcome of the individuals.

The story itself won't sound completely original. There are quite a few aspects that are predictable or maybe even mundane. However the cast is eccentric and vivacious, bringing detail and beauty to what would otherwise seem like everyday dramas and problems. While Miles is the main character, various characters take over different parts of the story and their voices are distinct enough to be convincing, but intermingled enough to present a very finished, polished final product. The setting is just right -- it gives you a taste of small town, once prosperous life.

It's not a book that shocks you or really changes a life. Instead it's beautifully constructed and written -- a flowing, poignant novel that brings with it peace and satisfaction.