Author Richard Russo on Writing a Thriller and Telling His Mom’s Secrets

The release of 'Under the Falls' marks a shift for author Richard Russo, who is discussing the transition into writing a thriller while incorporating secrets about his mother. This work deviates from his established focus on hard-luck men situated in hardscrabble towns, a stylistic hallmark noted by The Atlantic. The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and The Portland Press Herald have provided divergent assessments of the new book.

While some coverage examines Russo's return to his New York roots, critical reception varies, with some reviewers suggesting the novel lacks the depth found in his previous literature. The Wall Street Journal focuses on the personal nature of the narrative, specifically the integration of family history into a thriller framework. Readers and critics continue to evaluate how this structural departure compares to the author's broader bibliography.

Whether this pivot to a suspense-oriented narrative signals a permanent change in his literary trajectory is not yet clear, as audience reception to the stylistic shift is currently being measured through ongoing reviews.