All Fall Down (Herlihy novel)

All Fall Down is a 1960 novel by American author James Leo Herlihy. It tells the story of the heartbroken and disillusioned Clinton Williams, a young man struggling with his family's dysfunctionality. The novel focuses primarily on the deteriorating relationships within the Williams family, particularly between Berry-Berry, the mother, Ralph, the self-destructive older brother, and Echo O'Brien, Ralph's girlfriend who serves as a catalyst for much of the family's drama.

The novel is characterized by its exploration of themes such as familial love and loyalty, the destructive nature of addiction and self-pity, and the challenges of navigating a complex and often cruel world. Herlihy employs a stream-of-consciousness narrative style, allowing readers access to the inner thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.

All Fall Down was adapted into a critically acclaimed 1962 film starring Eva Marie Saint, Warren Beatty, and Angela Lansbury. The film closely followed the novel's plot and captured its dark and emotionally charged atmosphere.