R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1438 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Intense in places, the novel focuses on life in Empire Falls, Maine, where the reader encounters the lives of residents struggling to survive in a community that has lost two major factories. Jobs are scarce and people are moving away. Yes, Empire Falls has seen better days.
The author has drawn characters of great depth, both human and weak. He describes how they cope with day to day living amid others with others whose selfishness, shallowness, and power seeking qualities making life challenging. Anyone who has lived in such circumstances will recall such days. Two of the most interesting characters are Miles Roby, a man who left college just short of graduation, and his alcoholic father who is shiftless, charming, lovable at times and quick to take advantage of anyone. Miles was enticed to work in the Empire Grill, progressing to manager where he has worked for 20 years. In the midst of divorce from his shallow wife, Janine, he seeks to maintain contact and communication with his teenage daughter, Tick.
As the book progresses the plot entangles more individuals in unexpected ways. It is humorous, sad at times, and reflective of the emotions and actions of the people of Empire Falls. .This is a story about blue-collar America and how a wealthy individual, Francine Whiting, controls those who live in the community and what happens to them. Kudos to the author whose writing brings readers into the lives of those who chose to stay or return to the place they were born.
The author has drawn characters of great depth, both human and weak. He describes how they cope with day to day living amid others with others whose selfishness, shallowness, and power seeking qualities making life challenging. Anyone who has lived in such circumstances will recall such days. Two of the most interesting characters are Miles Roby, a man who left college just short of graduation, and his alcoholic father who is shiftless, charming, lovable at times and quick to take advantage of anyone. Miles was enticed to work in the Empire Grill, progressing to manager where he has worked for 20 years. In the midst of divorce from his shallow wife, Janine, he seeks to maintain contact and communication with his teenage daughter, Tick.
As the book progresses the plot entangles more individuals in unexpected ways. It is humorous, sad at times, and reflective of the emotions and actions of the people of Empire Falls. .This is a story about blue-collar America and how a wealthy individual, Francine Whiting, controls those who live in the community and what happens to them. Kudos to the author whose writing brings readers into the lives of those who chose to stay or return to the place they were born.
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