Books like Empire Falls by Richard Russo

Empire Falls, Maine, has long suffered a steep economic decline as its logging and textile industries collapse. The town’s once‑powerful Whiting family now controls dilapidated real estate, while the working class scrambles to survive. Miles Roby, a former college student called back home by family duty, finds himself managing the town’s Empire Grill alongside the Widow Whiting. Between a looming divorce, a troubled younger brother, and an uneasy partnership that keeps the restaurant afloat, Miles balances the weight of his responsibilities. His relationship with his daughter, Tick, provides a tender counterpoint, as he guides her calmly through the challenges of adolescence in a town steeped in history and hardship. The novel portrays the intertwined lives of fathers, sons, and daughters against the backdrop of faded mills and echoing churches, exploring the resilience of a community fighting to maintain its identity.

First publish date: 2001