47 pages • 1 hour read
A Long Way Down
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Nick Hornby's 2005 novel A Long Way Down, four strangers—Martin, Maureen, Jess, and JJ—meet on a rooftop on New Year's Eve, each contemplating suicide. They form an unexpected bond and agree to postpone their plans. Over six weeks, they navigate their personal struggles, support one another, and find renewed purpose, ultimately committing to a ninety-day reprieve from suicide. The book addresses themes of mental illness and suicide.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Humorous
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
91,054 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Nick Hornby's A Long Way Down is praised for its dark humor, engaging dialogue, and unique narrative style, weaving together the stories of four strangers contemplating suicide. However, some find the characters underdeveloped and the plot gimmicky. Overall, it's a thoughtful yet uneven exploration of desperation and human connection.
Who Should Read A Long Way Down?
Fans of dark comedy, emotional depth, and ensemble narratives will enjoy A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby. Similar to readers of Hornby's High Fidelity or Jonathan Tropper’s This is Where I Leave You, they appreciate humor laced with poignancy and characters grappling with life's complexities.
91,054 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jess Crichton
Jess Crichton
An impulsive 18-year-old struggling with personal grief and unstable emotions, driving her to a pivotal encounter that leads to unexpected bonds.
JJ
JJ
A 26-year-old American grappling with the loss of his dreams and identity after his band's breakup, whose journey explores the meaning of life beyond music.
Maureen
Maureen
A 51-year-old caregiver for her disabled son, whose feelings of entrapment and isolation push her towards a life-altering meet-up that reignites hope and friendship.
368
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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