THE LONG SONG.

THE LONG SONG by ANDREA LEVY.

Purchased through Book People, The Long Story is my 8th choice and final read in the TYPICALLY BRITISH BOOK CHALLENGE which can mean only one thing - whoopee! - I've reached 'Cream Crackered' level. To see the last book reviewed and links to all other books read for this challenge click HERE.

You do not know me yet but I am the narrator of this work. My son Thomas, who is printing this book, tells me it is customary at this place in a novel to give the reader a little taste of the story that is held within these pages. As your storyteller, I must convey that this tale is set in Jamaica during the last turbulent years of slavery and the early years of freedom that followed.

...... from the outer back cover.

FIRST SENTENCE (from the foreword): The book you are now holding within your hand was born of a craving.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Although once the groom at Amity, he had purchased his freedom many seasons ago, laying down two hundred pounds in coins and notes while the massa's mouth gaped.

One of the most prettiest eye-catching covers I've ever seen -  bright yellow with a gold leaf design and an inner cover that is of the softest shade of pale blue.

At first I really struggled with this story, frustrated as the way the author constructed sentences was difficult to grasp. However, once this was overcome, I found myself enjoying the book.

That said, I couldn't help but find the constant use of the word 'nigger' rather upsetting. Perhaps realistic in the context of the story, I never-the-less found its usage to be disturbing and not always necessary. Perhaps this though was the objective of Andrea Levy - to take her readers out of their comfort zone.

With a similar feel to it as A MERCY by Toni Morris this is a far better read in my opinion.Thought provoking with some well written characters, though, truth be told, for some reason or other, I did not find myself warming to a single one of them, it is ripe for a sequel and could make a good film. Would I read any such follow-up/see the movie? Certainly. 

The Long Story was a Book People buy.