Let's Take the Long Way Home

A Memoir of Friendship

By: Gail Caldwell

Narrated by: Joyce Bean

In Let's Take the Long Way Home, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gail Caldwell offers a powerful and moving memoir about her coming-of-age in mid-life and her extraordinary friendship with Caroline Knapp, the author of Drinking: A Love Story.

In her younger years, Caldwell defined herself by rebellion and independence, a passion for books, and an aversion to intimacy and a distrust of others. Then, while living in Cambridge in her early 40s, Caldwell adopted a rambunctious puppy named Clementine. On one of their bucolic walks, she met Caroline and her dog, Lucille, and both women's lives changed forever.

Though they are more different than alike, these two fiercely private, independent women quickly relax into a friendship more profound than either of them expected, a friendship that will thrive on their shared secrets, including parallel struggles with alcoholism and loneliness. They grow increasingly inseparable until, in 2003, Caroline is diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer.

In her signature exquisite prose, Caldwell mines the deepest levels of devotion and grief in this wise and affecting account about losing her best friend. Let's Take the Long Way Home is also a celebration of life and all the little moments worth cherishing - and affirms why Gail Caldwell is rightly praised as one of our bravest and most honest literary voices.

©2010 Gail Caldwell (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

“Stunning...a book of such crystalline truth that it makes the heart ache.” ( The Boston Globe)

Thought provoking

I loved this story. I laughed, I cried, I lamented that I don't have a relationship with a girlfriend as strong and all encompassing as the one played out in the story.

Didn’t want this book to end

It’s one of those books where you get to know the main character of the story so well that you think you know them. I didn’t want the book to end. I’d felt her joy and her pain, and the love she had for her best friend and her dog. She’s someone we all know.

Some day I will have to read this book...

...in an attempt to erase the narration from my memory. Then I might actually enjoy it.

One of the most beautiful stories I have ever listened to.

I loved the relationship that these two
women had built between them
even though it is not last long enough!
It is a memoir to cherish!

Devastatingly beautiful and superbly written

Gail Caldwell is obviously a very talented writer and her descriptions of loss and grief are unbelievably well and creatively described. I was moved to tears many times, and was constantly surprised by the tale which takes so many different turns despite the knowledge that Caroline would die. The pace of the tale and non-linear time line were seamless and very enjoyable. I didn't want it to end.

beautiful memior

i really enjoyed this beautiful well written account about two women who bonded deeply to each other.

thank you Ms. Caldwell for allowing readers to share your relationship with Caroline.

Thought provoking

I listened to the audible version as I packed up my house of twenty years. It was exactly what I needed; reminding us that we all will eventually die, some much sooner than others. Although there are heartbreaking matters in the book, I ultimately found it uplifting. Perhaps I was in the mood for such a book, but I did enjoy it and recommend it for fellow dog lovers.

Heartbreaking

incredible story of human and animal connection that gives tribute to the friendship if a lifetime

Raw & honest

The author gave words to a variety of emotions I’ve experienced after losing my husband, my great love. It hurts, yet it heals.

Uplifting! Brave!

This was a beautiful uplifting story about friendship and love and Dogs! Beautiful story loved the authors realism.