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320
Novel • Fiction
Naylor, Linden Hills • Contemporary
1985
Adult
18+ years
Linden Hills by Gloria Naylor explores an affluent Black community through Lester, a resident, and Willie, an outsider. As they traverse the neighborhood, they uncover the dark underbelly of its pursuit of the American dream, witnessing how the quest for status and wealth leads to moral decay and personal tragedy. Their journey mirrors Dante's Inferno, culminating in a metaphorical and literal descent to the community's core, overseen by the Nedeed family. The novel delves into class, hierarchy, racism, and misogyny.
Dark
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Challenging
3,244 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Linden Hills by Gloria Naylor is lauded for its rich narrative and deep examination of African American experiences within a suburban setting. Critics appreciate Naylor’s intricate character development and social commentary. However, some find the plot pacing slow and narrative structure complex. Overall, it is considered a thought-provoking and significant literary work.
Readers who savor richly layered narratives exploring African American life, akin to Toni Morrison's Beloved or Alice Walker's The Color Purple, will appreciate Gloria Naylor's Linden Hills. The book delves into the complexities of identity, class, and community in a fictional suburb, appealing to those drawn to profound, socially conscious literature.
3,244 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Willie K. Mason
An insightful and empathetic resident of Wayne Avenue, who dreams of becoming a poet and often provides an outsider's perspective on the complexities of Linden Hills.
Lesterfield Walcott Montgomery Tilson
Willie's best friend who grew up in Linden Hills and accompanies Willie on his journey, sharing insights about the neighborhood.
Willa Prescott Nedeed
The wife of Luther Nedeed, who struggles with her circumstances and personal autonomy while living in the Nedeed household.
Ruth Anderson
A former resident of Linden Hills who chose to live outside its boundaries, marrying Norman and residing on Wayne Avenue.
Norman Anderson
Ruth's husband, who experiences periodic psychotic breaks and struggles to maintain stable employment.
Winston Alcott
A Linden Hills resident and corporate lawyer who sacrifices personal relationships for societal success and conformity.
Xavier Donnell
A resident of Linden Hills aiming for upward mobility, who feels conflicted about his relationship with Roxanne Tilson.
Maxwell Smyth
Xavier's mentor at General Motors, who has distanced himself from his racial identity in pursuit of corporate success.
Laurel Dumont
A former competitive swimmer residing in Linden Hills, whose life appears successful but who feels trapped by its ideals.
Reverend Michael Hollis
The pastor of Mount Sinai Church in Linden Hills who struggles with alcoholism and feels disconnected from his congregation.
Daniel Braithwaite
A historian and resident of Tupelo Drive tasked with documenting the history of Linden Hills, whose work reveals the neighborhood's darker aspects.
320
Novel • Fiction
Naylor, Linden Hills • Contemporary
1985
Adult
18+ years
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