61 pages • 2 hours read
Richard RussoA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
483
Novel • Fiction
Empire Falls, Maine • Contemporary
2001
Adult
18+ years
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.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Humorous
126,578 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
126,578 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
483
Novel • Fiction
Empire Falls, Maine • Contemporary
2001
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.