Member Review
Review by
Michael B, Reviewer
Reuniting in Fragments
Richard Russo’s “Under the Falls” is framed as a dark, cinematic thriller. Following Tyler Sinclair, a rock star returning to his decaying upstate New York hometown for a benefit concert, the novel attempts to explore guilt and the gravity of the past. However, the transition into thriller territory proves rocky.
The execution suffers from pacing issues that seem rooted in the book's origins as an unproduced TV pilot. Rather than a cohesive novel, the chapters often feel like disconnected, scripted scenes where narrative momentum is sacrificed for dramatic beats. Key plot points feel rushed or under-developed, leaving the reader struggling to connect with the stakes. For example, Doc’s death is dealt with so quickly it fails to resonate, and other promising characters, like Jason, seem to vaporize from the story entirely without impact. Even the climax misses the mark; moments like the concert riot, where eggs show up only for the encore, feel absurd rather than dramatic.
The character development also leaves much to be desired. While Freddi is not quite one-dimensional, she is almost unbelievably cold-hearted, and the male leads fare even worse. Tyler and his childhood best friend, Curt, are remarkably thick. Their inability to see past their own narrow perspectives makes their decision-making frustratingly obscure and makes it difficult for the reader to engage with their plight.
Ultimately, “Under the Falls” struggles to find its footing. It captures the atmosphere of a distressed mountain town effectively—Russo’s vivid descriptions of decaying architecture and the heavy, stagnant air of the valley provide a tangible sense of place. However, the thriller mechanics feel screen-engineered and forced, resulting in a book that doesn't quite live up to its potential.
This novel is best suited for die-hard Russo fans who appreciate his ability to evoke small-town rot, or for readers who enjoy screenplay-style pacing and aren't bothered by logic gaps in character motivations.
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and to NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #UnderTheFalls #NetGalley #The400Unit
Richard Russo’s “Under the Falls” is framed as a dark, cinematic thriller. Following Tyler Sinclair, a rock star returning to his decaying upstate New York hometown for a benefit concert, the novel attempts to explore guilt and the gravity of the past. However, the transition into thriller territory proves rocky.
The execution suffers from pacing issues that seem rooted in the book's origins as an unproduced TV pilot. Rather than a cohesive novel, the chapters often feel like disconnected, scripted scenes where narrative momentum is sacrificed for dramatic beats. Key plot points feel rushed or under-developed, leaving the reader struggling to connect with the stakes. For example, Doc’s death is dealt with so quickly it fails to resonate, and other promising characters, like Jason, seem to vaporize from the story entirely without impact. Even the climax misses the mark; moments like the concert riot, where eggs show up only for the encore, feel absurd rather than dramatic.
The character development also leaves much to be desired. While Freddi is not quite one-dimensional, she is almost unbelievably cold-hearted, and the male leads fare even worse. Tyler and his childhood best friend, Curt, are remarkably thick. Their inability to see past their own narrow perspectives makes their decision-making frustratingly obscure and makes it difficult for the reader to engage with their plight.
Ultimately, “Under the Falls” struggles to find its footing. It captures the atmosphere of a distressed mountain town effectively—Russo’s vivid descriptions of decaying architecture and the heavy, stagnant air of the valley provide a tangible sense of place. However, the thriller mechanics feel screen-engineered and forced, resulting in a book that doesn't quite live up to its potential.
This novel is best suited for die-hard Russo fans who appreciate his ability to evoke small-town rot, or for readers who enjoy screenplay-style pacing and aren't bothered by logic gaps in character motivations.
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and to NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #UnderTheFalls #NetGalley #The400Unit
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