Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Richard Russo:
Empire Falls
Nobody’s Fool
Everybody’s Fool (sequel)

In the Empire Falls, the characters were inspired by author’s parents, the World War II generation. It is set in the economically depressed working-class town of Maine. It’s about family, community, and forgiveness. Hope for the future in small-town America, where the factories have left, the populations are dwindling. Nobody’s Fool has similar theme of people, responsibility, and community.

I love Empire Falls, but wouldn’t call it a “sweeping epic” akin to most of the novels that are getting listed here— like War & Peace, 100 Years of Solitude, East of Eden, etc.