The Longest Memory
The Longest Memory
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Brief
144
Novel • Fiction
Virginia • 1800s
1994
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In his historical novel, The Longest Memory (1994), Fred D'Aguiar tells the story of Whitechapel, an obedient, elderly enslaved man who lives on a Virginia plantation between 1790 and 1810. Whitechapel’s son, Chapel, falls in love with the plantation owner's daughter, Lydia. Aspiring for freedom, Chapel attempts an escape, resulting in tragic consequences. Topics include slavery and sexual violence.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Dark
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
1,912 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Fred D'Aguiar's The Longest Memory provides a poignant and gripping narrative about slavery's brutality, praised for its emotional depth and lyrical prose. Characters are complex and well-drawn, immersing readers in a harrowing historical context. Some critics find the shifting perspectives disorienting, but overall, the novel effectively conveys a profound message.
Who Should Read The Longest Memory?
A reader who would enjoy The Longest Memory by Fred D'Aguiar is likely captivated by historical fiction with a profound exploration of slavery and racial injustice. Comparable to Toni Morrison's Beloved and Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad, it appeals to those who appreciate emotionally powerful narratives and intricate character development.
1,912 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
144
Novel • Fiction
Virginia • 1800s
1994
Adult
18+ years
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