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39 pages 1 hour read

Linden Hills

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

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Book Brief

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Gloria Naylor

Linden Hills

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Naylor, Linden Hills • Contemporary

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.3

3,244 ratings

75%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Linden Hills?

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.

4.3

3,244 ratings

75%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Luther Nedeed

The head of the Tupelo Realty Corporation and the last in a line of men with the same name, known for his old-fashioned demeanor and control over mortgage approvals in Linden Hills.

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.

Willie's best friend who grew up in Linden Hills and accompanies Willie on his journey, sharing insights about the neighborhood.

The wife of Luther Nedeed, who struggles with her circumstances and personal autonomy while living in the Nedeed household.

A former resident of Linden Hills who chose to live outside its boundaries, marrying Norman and residing on Wayne Avenue.

Ruth's husband, who experiences periodic psychotic breaks and struggles to maintain stable employment.

A Linden Hills resident and corporate lawyer who sacrifices personal relationships for societal success and conformity.

A resident of Linden Hills aiming for upward mobility, who feels conflicted about his relationship with Roxanne Tilson.

Xavier's mentor at General Motors, who has distanced himself from his racial identity in pursuit of corporate success.

A former competitive swimmer residing in Linden Hills, whose life appears successful but who feels trapped by its ideals.

The pastor of Mount Sinai Church in Linden Hills who struggles with alcoholism and feels disconnected from his congregation.

A historian and resident of Tupelo Drive tasked with documenting the history of Linden Hills, whose work reveals the neighborhood's darker aspects.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Naylor, Linden Hills • Contemporary

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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