Novelist Richard Russo

Novelist Richard Russo, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 2001's "Empire Falls," grew up in the kind of small, gritty town that he has written about for more than two decades. He knows the pride of blue-collar work, the shame of not having enough, and about the neighbors who live just a little too close.

In his new novel, "Bridge of Sighs," Russo tells the story of those who stay in the small town of Thomaston, New York, where the river runs red with dye from the tannery, and the East End and West End kids don't mix. And what happens when one leaves.

This hour, On Point: Richard Russo's America.Guest:

Richard Russo, author of the new novel "Bridge of Sighs." He won the Pulitzer Prize for his 2001 novel "Empire Falls." His other books include "Nobody's Fool" and "Straight Man."