About the Author

RICHARD RUSSO is the author of eight novels; two collections of stories; and Elsewhere, a memoir. In 2002 he received the Pulitzer Prize for Empire Falls, which like Nobody’s Fool was adapted to film, in a multiple-award-winning HBO miniseries.

Reviews

A PARADE BEST BOOK OF ALL TIME

“Rich, humorous, elegantly constructed ... Easily Mr. Russo’s most seductive book thus far.” —The New York Times

“Russo writes with a warm, vibrant humanity.... A stirring mix of poignancy, drama and comedy.” —The Washington Post

“Russo is one of the best novelists around.” —The New York Times Book Review

“The history of American literature may show that Richard Russo wrote the last great novel of the 20th century.” —Christian Science Monitor

“Nobody does small-town life better than Richard Russo.” —Atlanta Journal-Constitution

People don't mind imposing on a nice guy like Miles Roby. Francine Whiting, for instance, owns most of the struggling mill town, including the Empire Grill that Miles manages for her, though she won't agree to the liquor license that might make it profitable. Francine's disabled daughter, Cindy, has a lifelong crush on Miles and has twice attempted suicide over him. His wife has left him for a flashy jerk, a health club owner who comes to the grill daily to taunt Miles; his ne'er-do-well father constantly nags him for handouts; and his daughter Tick seems to care about Miles, but she is navigating the treacherous shoals of high school, with the school bully determined to win her back and a complete outcast dependent on her for friendship. Reader Ron McLarty doesn't get the Maine accent quite right, but his performance will surely prove among the best of the year. Packed with heart and with wonderfully drawn characters (and a good deal funnier than it sounds), Empire Falls is an excellent choice for any library. John Hiett, Iowa City P.L. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

A PARADE BEST BOOK OF ALL TIME

"Rich, humorous, elegantly constructed ... Easily Mr. Russo's most seductive book thus far." -The New York Times

"Russo writes with a warm, vibrant humanity.... A stirring mix of poignancy, drama and comedy." -The Washington Post

"Russo is one of the best novelists around." -The New York Times Book Review

"The history of American literature may show that Richard Russo wrote the last great novel of the 20th century." -Christian Science Monitor

"Nobody does small-town life better than Richard Russo." -Atlanta Journal-Constitution