On August 10th, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Richard Russo will be paying a visit to Left Bank Books in Belfast, Maine. Left Bank Books, an independent bookstore located in downtown Belfast, will be hosting the author for a reading, Q&A, and book signing.
Russo, well known for novels such as Empire Falls, Nobody’s Fool, and Bridge of Sighs, was born and raised in the small town of Gloversville, New York. His books often focus on blue-collar American towns struggling with economic decline. Despite the serious themes, Russo infuses his stories with warmth and humor.
The author’s connection to small towns makes the Left Bank Books event a natural fit. Left Bank Books owner Paige Hake said, “We’re thrilled to host Richard Russo, whose books truly capture the spirit and grit of small town life.”
Belfast, a coastal Maine town with a population just over 6,000, has much in common with the fictional towns Russo creates. Locals are eager to hear the author’s perspective on their community.
Hake selected August 10th for Russo’s visit because it coincides with both the height of summer tourism and the Maine Lobster Festival. She hopes the timing will allow some vacationers to attend the free public event.
In addition to the reading at Left Bank Books, Russo will be the guest speaker at a benefit dinner for the Belfast Free Library. Library director Sarah Cross hopes Russo’s appearance will increase awareness of the library’s ongoing fundraising campaign for renovations and expanded programming.
Russo’s reputation as both a serious novelist and an approachable public speaker has residents across Belfast eagerly anticipating his visit. The free evening event at Left Bank Books will offer both devoted fans and casual readers a chance to hear Russo discuss his work and inspiration.