Richard Russo returns to the familiar settings of upstate New York in his latest novel, Under the Falls. The story centers on the fictional Adirondack town of Stone Mountain. Unlike his past works, this book shifts away from character-driven family sagas to occupy the space of a taut thriller. The setting is a place of economic decline where the primary goal for residents is simply to escape.
Russo describes Stone Mountain as a site defined by vacant storefronts, forgotten dwellings, and a distinct lack of opportunity. While readers of his previous books like Empire Falls will recognize the geographical landscape, this narrative presents a darker, more dangerous atmosphere. The author keeps the town’s details sparse, forcing the reader to navigate a sense of suspense rather than relying on deep community immersion.
The tone throughout the book is heavy and purposeful. It highlights the contrast between the prosperity of the past and the reality of a town that no longer offers a future. Under the Falls functions as a stark reminder that some landscapes are defined by what they lack. For those familiar with Russo's history of writing about blue-collar struggles, this transition into a suspense-focused narrative offers a new look at his classic, worn-out locales.