Long Song, The
Levy, AndreaJuly, a mulatto house slave narrates the story of her tumultuous life in 19th Century Jamaica. It is a turbulent period featuring the Baptist revolts and eventually the emancipation of the slaves. A complex and poignant novel laying bare the tyranny of slavery with surprising charm and humour.
Comments from Groups
Those who read it thoroughly enjoyed it once they got into it. Very evocative, great imagery, cleverly written. Many wanted to read more of Andrea Levy. Auckland 014Highly recommended. Another thought provoking discussion. Auckland 171All loved the book. Very evocative prose. Clever use of Jamaican idioms and the use of English 19th C idioms and language constructions. Auckland 088Mixed reactions - very hard to read, gruelling was a common word! It was a very spirited discussion especially about shame. Auckland 230We all enjoyed this book, except for one member who had found the slavery issue too horrible. A lot of history was new to many of us. Plenty of different topics were discussed. Motueka 001
Pages
312
312
Year
2010
2010
Reviews
15-07-2022
It was a detailed insight into the era of slavery, then freedom, in Jamaica. Perhaps a little too long, and the tempo varied from when it really seemed to drag, but then suddenly went leaping ahead. We had a lively discussion but no-one felt as enthusiastic about it compared with some of her earlier books. The format of going backwards in time did become quite confusing at times.
15-07-2022
Group enjoyed the book - it took a while to get used to her language and style.
15-07-2022
Heated discussion, but most felt it was well worth reading and that we had learnt a lot about the other side of slavery.
15-07-2022
We really disagreed on this one. Some could not manage to see past the cruelty and indifference to the slaves by the plantation owners, which turned them off the book. Others just concentrated on the progress made through the life of the main character, Miss July.
15-07-2022
A thought provoking book - to be recommended.
15-07-2022
Our group had a mixed response to the book. Some enjoyed the historical content, and others felt it was too predictable. Some members felt engaged by the writing style, while some felt detached. The book generated a reasonable discussion.
15-07-2022
We all enjoyed this book - felt that the way the story was plotted (through Miss July's voice) gave a really good insight into the hopes/fears/joys/sorrows and passions of the slaves, showing them as real people, not just chattels of their masters. We liked the humour although it took a little time to get used to the different cadence in the voices, but this gave the story more authenticity. The book also gave a realistic picture of the events which followed when the slaves got their freedom. An excellent read!
15-07-2022
We all enjoyed this book, and once we got used the the 'patois', found it very interesting and informative. We all know of the terrible treatment of slaves but the horrors mentioned do not seem to have the same impact due to the style in which it is written. It's more a story of strong character, resourcefulness and good humour. We shall be adding more Andrea Levy to our list!
15-07-2022
We enjoyed the historical aspects, and the fact that it was written from the slaves' point of view was enlightening. The complexity was well portrayed.
15-07-2022
The subject was horrifying, but the author's treatment of it was deft and admirable. In our group there were those who concentrated on the historical and factual parts of the novel, while others preferred to consider the story and its writing. Despite the brutality and ignorance and dirt and inhumanity, the author's clever use of language frequently caused one to laugh out loud. To some of us the book was unputdownable; one or two didn't finish it.
15-07-2022
This book was enjoyed by the group in general, and nearly everyone finished the book. We felt that the method of telling the story, through her son as the writer, was very clever and pulled us into the story. The telling was often very sad but made us think about the time and the difficulties. Loved the description of mixed race and distinction by colour. Highly recommended and enjoyed.
15-07-2022
We enjoyed this book. Convincing, authentic and poignant voice - very well researched. informative and moving. Strongly written characters.
29-06-2020
Beautifully written, especially the use of Miss July's vernacular. Andrea Levy illustrates so well the unfair treatment of the slaves. She outlines the violence leading up to the abolition of slavery very vividly. Educational and enlightening.