Long Distance Life

by Marita Golden

Book Overview

" A novel of impressive artistry and power." The Washington PostCaught in the web of history, generations of an African-American family play out their parts on a world stage that constantly changes,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385194552
• ISBN13: 9780385194556
• Release Date: September 1989
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 321 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.

Customer Reviews

This is Black Fiction at its best!

This is one of those authors who makes me say, "Wow! I hope other people see MY writing this way." The story is well-paced and intersting but what's more importnat about this writer is that she get to the heart of what the characters are FEELING and shows us all of their emotions, the good, the bad and the ugly. There are too many Black authors out there right now who are getting success based on the boom in black fiction rather than actual talent. Ms. Golden DESERVES the praise she gets and I HOPE someone is paying her what's she's worth!

Engaging, thoughtful and provacative storytelling

I LOVE the way this lady writes. Someone passed me her most recent hardcover(I read alot, but had not even heard of this author). It affected me so deeply, that I ordered her entire backlist. Her characters are so well-drawn out (they are literally "fleshed out") and so real, her tales of ordinary life (which easily engages the reader in a world which can be related to)and her observations so stirring and poignant, that she gives the reader of each of her stories with many verbal gifts. "Affecting" is an understatement. "Long Distance Life" starts at the present and then goes backward in time, eventually ending again with the present. It is about one woman who bravely leaves her home and husband in the South, in search of herself and a life without such narrow confines. She establishes her own business, marries and gives birth to a daughter. Her daughter grows up, has a baby with a married man, and then eventually leaves her home and child to join the Civil Rights Movement and to find her own purpose. To reveal any more of this story would be unfair because the writing is simply so beautiful,it must be experienced. This author is a real gift!

A terrific book that includes a synopsis of DC's history.

This was a great read. Ms. Golden gave us a clear view of the city through the characters eyes at a time when this, DC, was at its best in appearance. The love and struggle of this family is one that we as african americans can all relate to, not mention the voyage that carries us to and through each day of our life. Ms. Golden, as always, has done a terrific job. I could not put it down. This is much more worthy of a movie deal than some I want mention.

EXCELLENT

THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC. WHY? BECAUSE ITS A THOUGHT PROVOKING NOVEL. IF YOU ENJOY A GOOD READ, WITH AN HONEST LOOK AT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY, THEN THIS ONE IS IT. WE (AS A PEOPLE) SOMETIMES COMPAIN ABOUT THE NEGATIVE IMAGES THAT ARE PORTRAYED ABOUT US. WELL IN MY OPINION THE VOICE OF THIS NOVEL IS ACCURATE AND JUST. THIS IS A VERY WELL WRITTEN BOOK. PICK IT UP AND SEE FOR YOURSELF.....