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Editorial Reviews
In his riveting new novel, Will Allison, critically acclaimed author of What You Have Left, crafts an emotional and psychological drama that explores the moral ambiguities of personal responsibility as it chronicles a father’s attempt to explain himself to his daughter—even though he knows that in doing so, he risks losing her.
Life can change in an instant because of one small mistake. For Glen Bauer, all it takes is a quick jerk of the steering wheel, intended to scare a reckless driver. But the reckless driver is killed, and just like that, Glen’s placid suburban existence begins to unravel.
Written in part as a confessional letter from Glen to his daughter, Sara, Long Drive Home evokes the sharp-eyed observation of Tom Perrotta and the pathos of Dan Chaon in its trenchant portrait of contemporary American life.
When Glen realizes no one else saw the accident, he impulsively lies about what happened—to the police, to his wife, even to Sara, who was in the backseat at the time of the crash. But a tenacious detective thinks Sara might have seen more than she knows, or more than her parents will let her tell. And when Glen tries to prevent the detective from questioning Sara, he finds himself in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game that could end in a lawsuit or prison. What he doesn’t see coming is the reaction of his wife, Liz—a panicked plan that threatens to tear their family apart in the name of saving it.
But what if the accident wasn’t really Glen’s fault? What if someone else were to blame for the turn his life has taken? It’s a question Glen can’t let go of. And as he struggles to understand the extent of his own guilt, he finds himself on yet another collision course, different in kind but with the potential to be equally devastating. Long Drive Home is a stunning cautionary tale of unintended consequences that confirms Will Allison’s growing reputation as a rising literary talent.
Related Reviews
Will Allison's second novel Long Drive Home is the story of one bad decision. One second. One reaction. And the many consequences that follow.
It could happen to any one of us and perhaps that is what makes this novel so powerful. Get behind the wheel of a car and suddenly many of us seem to forget that there are other real people driving the other cars on the road. The dangerous driver speeding and weaving in and out of traffic on the freeway without a care for the safety of others can make us angry. How do you react?
In Long Drive Home, Glen gives in to his road rage. He only means to scare the reckless driver. His one quick action will cause a deadly reaction by the teenage driver and set in motion a series of events and decisions that will drastically change Glen and his family's lives.
Will Allison writes well and has the gift of brevity, which is nice for a change. His style is simple yet brilliant and he has a deep understanding of the human mind and conscience. It is a powerful, frightening and riveting tale.
In this novel, Allison created believable and realistic characters and puts them in a situation where one man's ethics, responsibility and honesty will be tested to the limits. A person's true character and values emerge in the crisis and the natural instincts to place blame, to escape, and to hide the truth can unfortunately replace a person's integrity. A person's actions have consequences that affect others.
Honestly, it was at times a painful novel to read but it did inspire a lot of thought about how I hope I would handle a similar situation. I've been talking with my husband about the various issues brought up in the book and because of the various topics to discuss, including roles and loyalty in marriage, Long Drive Home would be an excellent choice for a book club.
For those who care, this novel is also refreshingly free of possibly offensive material such as foul language and intimate scenes.
By the way, the cover of this book uses the same picture that a recently published YA novel used. Don't be confused.
I received a free copy of the book from the publishers in return for my honest review. I received no additional compensation.
It could happen to any one of us and perhaps that is what makes this novel so powerful. Get behind the wheel of a car and suddenly many of us seem to forget that there are other real people driving the other cars on the road. The dangerous driver speeding and weaving in and out of traffic on the freeway without a care for the safety of others can make us angry. How do you react?
In Long Drive Home, Glen gives in to his road rage. He only means to scare the reckless driver. His one quick action will cause a deadly reaction by the teenage driver and set in motion a series of events and decisions that will drastically change Glen and his family's lives.
Will Allison writes well and has the gift of brevity, which is nice for a change. His style is simple yet brilliant and he has a deep understanding of the human mind and conscience. It is a powerful, frightening and riveting tale.
In this novel, Allison created believable and realistic characters and puts them in a situation where one man's ethics, responsibility and honesty will be tested to the limits. A person's true character and values emerge in the crisis and the natural instincts to place blame, to escape, and to hide the truth can unfortunately replace a person's integrity. A person's actions have consequences that affect others.
Honestly, it was at times a painful novel to read but it did inspire a lot of thought about how I hope I would handle a similar situation. I've been talking with my husband about the various issues brought up in the book and because of the various topics to discuss, including roles and loyalty in marriage, Long Drive Home would be an excellent choice for a book club.
For those who care, this novel is also refreshingly free of possibly offensive material such as foul language and intimate scenes.
By the way, the cover of this book uses the same picture that a recently published YA novel used. Don't be confused.
I received a free copy of the book from the publishers in return for my honest review. I received no additional compensation.
This well thought out tale by Will Allison was spellbinding, nearly impossible to put down. It's a story about how the actions of two people behind the wheel, can alter the destiny of both of their families. We know at the outset that Glen is the cause of a fatal car accident ... but is he really? We all know that the driver who was killed was guilty of reckless driving ... but was he really? You ponder these questions as you read Will Allison's tale and the fact that you are pondering this, and things aren't really so cut and dried, is what shows the skill of the writer weaving this tale.
This story is told in first person point view from the point of view of Glen, our main character. Allison keeps point of view very consistent throughout and he shows real mastery of writing. During the story we are treated to multiple excerpts of a letter that Glen is writing to his daughter that she will not receive and read until she reaches age 18. These letter excerpts were so personal, so touching, so well written that I would have liked to see more of them. When the second excerpt appeared, I was taken by surprise, a pleasant surprise. The problem is, there were also a couple points in the plot that were a little unbelievable. That's why I would say it was almost perfect, but not quite.
This is not so much a thriller or police procedural as a tale about how an action can have long range consequences and about regret that can nearly cripple you. The reader goes on a journey through pain and darkness with Glen as he tries to work his way to the other side of a moral wrong toward the light. It's a very good book, definitely worth reading.
This story is told in first person point view from the point of view of Glen, our main character. Allison keeps point of view very consistent throughout and he shows real mastery of writing. During the story we are treated to multiple excerpts of a letter that Glen is writing to his daughter that she will not receive and read until she reaches age 18. These letter excerpts were so personal, so touching, so well written that I would have liked to see more of them. When the second excerpt appeared, I was taken by surprise, a pleasant surprise. The problem is, there were also a couple points in the plot that were a little unbelievable. That's why I would say it was almost perfect, but not quite.
This is not so much a thriller or police procedural as a tale about how an action can have long range consequences and about regret that can nearly cripple you. The reader goes on a journey through pain and darkness with Glen as he tries to work his way to the other side of a moral wrong toward the light. It's a very good book, definitely worth reading.
First Person Narrative at Its Best
Glen Bauer is the stay-at-home dad of six-year-old Sara. He drives her to and from school each day. His wife, Liz, works in the city--New York City--and commutes for an hour each way by train. This first-person narrative is actually two first-person narratives, one set off with italics (the shorter one). The reader is not told where Glen is when he writes to Sara--this is the part in italics--but the reader is aware that something rather serious has occurred and this father is attempting to deal with it from a distance.
Then we soon learn exactly what occurred.
The initial point of view made this reader rather sympathetic with the father. After all have we not all had far too many experiences with drivers on cell phones who make road travel hazardous? Have we not experienced teenager drivers who seem to think only they own the roads? So when one is confronted with the on-coming vehicle of one of these, would we not have a momentary inclination to do something to teach them a valuable lesson, especially if in the back seat is one's only child?
So when something awful happens--and it does--to this teenager driver, then the reality of that split-second decision on the part of the father become a very harsh reality, most especially when apparently the teen wasn't drinking and was, in fact, a very popular student and a much loved son, especially by his mother.
Glen believes that no one actually saw what he did, maybe not ever his own daughter in the back seat. Sure, the police come, ask the typical questions, and hopefully that is all.
But that is not all.
This is a novel about ethical values, about what can happen in a world--and we sure live in that world--where people feel they can cover up and justify anything.
This is a very skillfully written novel with a very believable cast of characters, one I highly recommend to any reader.
Then we soon learn exactly what occurred.
The initial point of view made this reader rather sympathetic with the father. After all have we not all had far too many experiences with drivers on cell phones who make road travel hazardous? Have we not experienced teenager drivers who seem to think only they own the roads? So when one is confronted with the on-coming vehicle of one of these, would we not have a momentary inclination to do something to teach them a valuable lesson, especially if in the back seat is one's only child?
So when something awful happens--and it does--to this teenager driver, then the reality of that split-second decision on the part of the father become a very harsh reality, most especially when apparently the teen wasn't drinking and was, in fact, a very popular student and a much loved son, especially by his mother.
Glen believes that no one actually saw what he did, maybe not ever his own daughter in the back seat. Sure, the police come, ask the typical questions, and hopefully that is all.
But that is not all.
This is a novel about ethical values, about what can happen in a world--and we sure live in that world--where people feel they can cover up and justify anything.
This is a very skillfully written novel with a very believable cast of characters, one I highly recommend to any reader.
A riveting book that makes you think....
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - although I'm not quite finished with it yet. Glen Bauer is a father on his way home from picking up his 6 year old Sara. During the drive one thing after another happens and what turns out to be a very bad day happens. On the way home he is involved in a traffic accident in which a teenage boy is killed. What ensues is a first person account of Glen's story, the guilt he feels, the soul searching and the decision he makes about what could of been his role in the death of this boy.
After the accident happens and Glen is being questioned you can feel his worry and "almost" panic as he is questioned by the detective. He begins by telling half truths ("Yes, I think I came to a full stop", "No I don't think there was a dog or cat in the road", "No I don't think the kid was driving erratically") and as his lies increase so does his worry that he will mess up. Then he has to worry about Sara knowing what happened, saying the wrong thing to the therapist, to the detective, at school, to her mother, on and on and on. Years pass by and the pressure, the worry and the fear increase and it begins to affect his marriage, his relationships and his work.
What stood out to me as I read this book was Glen's decision to write a letter to his daughter. In the letter he describes the true story of what happened and then leaves it in her hands regarding whether or not she would take it to the police. I can't imagine the relief and the fear of what could happen when he places it all in his daughter's hands.
One thing I've been asking myself as I was reading the book is: If I caused or think I caused an accident would I do the right thing and step forward or would I take the chance and lie about it? Knowing that everyone would know what I had done, letting my anger control my behavior, the pity - or - derision that my neighbors or friends would feel toward me and then living with the guilt for years. I don't know if I could lie about it and live with the guilt forever without any redemption.
Ultimately, I hope I would do the right thing. You?
After the accident happens and Glen is being questioned you can feel his worry and "almost" panic as he is questioned by the detective. He begins by telling half truths ("Yes, I think I came to a full stop", "No I don't think there was a dog or cat in the road", "No I don't think the kid was driving erratically") and as his lies increase so does his worry that he will mess up. Then he has to worry about Sara knowing what happened, saying the wrong thing to the therapist, to the detective, at school, to her mother, on and on and on. Years pass by and the pressure, the worry and the fear increase and it begins to affect his marriage, his relationships and his work.
What stood out to me as I read this book was Glen's decision to write a letter to his daughter. In the letter he describes the true story of what happened and then leaves it in her hands regarding whether or not she would take it to the police. I can't imagine the relief and the fear of what could happen when he places it all in his daughter's hands.
One thing I've been asking myself as I was reading the book is: If I caused or think I caused an accident would I do the right thing and step forward or would I take the chance and lie about it? Knowing that everyone would know what I had done, letting my anger control my behavior, the pity - or - derision that my neighbors or friends would feel toward me and then living with the guilt for years. I don't know if I could lie about it and live with the guilt forever without any redemption.
Ultimately, I hope I would do the right thing. You?
I really enjoyed and highly recommend Long Drive Home by Will Allison. I didn't want put the reader down and stop, though there were times when I needed to in order to take a sigh of relief, come down from the near panic attack I was having and thank God that I wasn't Glen...yet. As someone who works in New Jersey and has a long commute with terrible drivers, I could easily place myself in Glen's shoes. Without giving the whole story away, suffice it to say it is a moral, ethical dilemma type of story that stems from one momentary bad decision and the chain of resulting consequences stemming from the seemingly smallest of decisions.
I really was appreciative for having stumbled across this book so I could gain some renewed perspective on my own life. We always could use reminding that our actions, no matter the motivation and seemingly trivial nature can have real consequences to ourselves and others. It has helped to "remind me to be careful" every day as I drive home to my own family. Anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking, challenging reality-tale should enjoy this.
I really was appreciative for having stumbled across this book so I could gain some renewed perspective on my own life. We always could use reminding that our actions, no matter the motivation and seemingly trivial nature can have real consequences to ourselves and others. It has helped to "remind me to be careful" every day as I drive home to my own family. Anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking, challenging reality-tale should enjoy this.
Glen writes his daughter, Sara, a letter explaining what went wrong in his marriage to Liz and the events that lead up to their divorce. The letter is interspersed with the story of that time period. In a way, Glen is asking his daughter for forgiveness and trying to make thing right when he lies and tries to make her believe that the accident she witnessed as a six year old didn't happen the way it really did. Glen and his wife try to cover up his involvement in the accident by lying to the police when questioned about exactly how the accident occurred. I just really got a uneasy feeling from the actions of both these characters, especially his lawyer wife, Liz, who immediately wants a divorce to protect their assets. In parts, this book really creeped me out.
The crux of the whole story centers around the accident where Glen tries to scare a wreckless driver by swerving a bit in front of him to stop his erratic speeding and instead the car rolls, killing the teen driver. Sara sitting in the backseat remembers details but not everything, she knows just enough to really incriminate her father. The main part that really bothered me about this accident is that, yes, Glen is partially at fault for the accident, but it would have not been as severe or even avoided, if the teen had been driving safely. The police who question him really seem to be out to get him since they know he is lying. Glen also is incredibly immature and this is shown in great detail when he stalks another driver who threatens him after a previous run in right before the accident. The story really brings to light how little things can add up to create a monsterous problem.
The crux of the whole story centers around the accident where Glen tries to scare a wreckless driver by swerving a bit in front of him to stop his erratic speeding and instead the car rolls, killing the teen driver. Sara sitting in the backseat remembers details but not everything, she knows just enough to really incriminate her father. The main part that really bothered me about this accident is that, yes, Glen is partially at fault for the accident, but it would have not been as severe or even avoided, if the teen had been driving safely. The police who question him really seem to be out to get him since they know he is lying. Glen also is incredibly immature and this is shown in great detail when he stalks another driver who threatens him after a previous run in right before the accident. The story really brings to light how little things can add up to create a monsterous problem.
Good premise never quite fufilled
Didn't expect it to be cut so short. Suprised I was reading the last page. I Felt there was so much left to be explored and answered that it didn't live up to it's potential. Could have been a much deeper read.
What happens if you don't get caught?
Narrator Glen Bauer opens this story with a letter to his daughter Sara, 8 years old and 6 at the beginning of the events of this novel. The letter is written to be given to her much later, when she is able to understand and forgive.
We've all had those days - someone cuts you off in traffic and then flips YOU off; a bicycle rider suddenly veers in front of you, causing you to suddenly hit your brakes; then you head out to the highway where someone is riding your tail in the right hand lane at 60 MPH - you may just tap your brakes to give them a little wake-up call. Harmless, really .. after being frustrated by inconsiderate drivers and dangerous moves, you just want SOMEone to pay a bit of attention to what they're doing, right?
Glen, who runs a small accounting business from home, has a very bad driving day - with his daughter in the car - one in which another driver confronts him and flashes a gun in his waistband. Then a second encounter with a different driver causes him to make that "little" gesture ... kind of like tapping the brakes - only the other driver is now dead.
It really could happen to many of us. And if the police only look at you as a witness, would you admit to your part in it? This narrative shows us how one wrong move can change the course of our lives from better to worse; utterly absorbing and believable, I was drawn in to the pages from beginning to end. A most excellent read.
QUOTE (from a galley; may be different in final copy):
I remember telling myself people didn't go to prison for accidents. Then again, just because I hadn't meant to hurt anyone didn't mean what I'd done was accidental.
Book Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We've all had those days - someone cuts you off in traffic and then flips YOU off; a bicycle rider suddenly veers in front of you, causing you to suddenly hit your brakes; then you head out to the highway where someone is riding your tail in the right hand lane at 60 MPH - you may just tap your brakes to give them a little wake-up call. Harmless, really .. after being frustrated by inconsiderate drivers and dangerous moves, you just want SOMEone to pay a bit of attention to what they're doing, right?
Glen, who runs a small accounting business from home, has a very bad driving day - with his daughter in the car - one in which another driver confronts him and flashes a gun in his waistband. Then a second encounter with a different driver causes him to make that "little" gesture ... kind of like tapping the brakes - only the other driver is now dead.
It really could happen to many of us. And if the police only look at you as a witness, would you admit to your part in it? This narrative shows us how one wrong move can change the course of our lives from better to worse; utterly absorbing and believable, I was drawn in to the pages from beginning to end. A most excellent read.
QUOTE (from a galley; may be different in final copy):
I remember telling myself people didn't go to prison for accidents. Then again, just because I hadn't meant to hurt anyone didn't mean what I'd done was accidental.
Book Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Predictible and extruciatingly drawn out.
This book had only 10 reviews, but they were excellent. I felt like I was watching a car wreck in slow motion while I was reading it. The author could have done so much more considering the subject. I am not planning on reading any more of his books.
Sins of the father and the innocence of a child; oh, what a tangle web we weave, when at first we do deceive. I read this book in one sitting. It was a book that I could not make myself put down. It held me spellbound. It brought back thoughts of things I have done that could have taken a very wrong turn. I guess that makes this confession time.
I live along a bayou going that runs to the gulf; one road in, and one road out. Due to a bridge closure, the traffic has been very heavy. I was on my way back from the market the other day and a truck came up behind me at a higher rate of speed, and began following very close. The driver was driving erratically and it was making me nervous. It is a two-lane highway and very few passing straight aways. You can only drive as fast or as slow as the car in front of you. It is a test for any person's patience and this day was no different. I normally show my brake lights and slow down a little to get the vehicle behind me to back off a little. It gets the other driver's attention and they realize that they are a little too close. That morning, the driver was extremely aggressive and the first opportunity he had, he roared past me, cut back in front of me nearly clipping my vehicle and slammed on his brakes. Fortunately, my instincts had kicked in as he was passing me and I backed off for my safety. When he cut back in and slammed his brakes, I was stilled forced to slam on my brakes in order to avoid hitting him. He then floored it and proceeded to pass two more cars. A simple tactic, meant to garner attention to safety, which has worked so many times in the past, pushed someone over the edge.
I was stunned. As my mind began to organize my thoughts, all of the scenarios of what could have happened began flashing through my brain. That is what this book is about; the consequences of our actions, how the most mundane or unusual happenings have an effect on our reactions to everything else for the rest of the day. It is about how rage, in its smallest form, can have catastrophic consequences on our own lives, and those who are dearest to us. This story chronicles how a sliver of anger can turn us into someone we cease to recognize.
I found myself, repeatedly, holding my breath, and having to remind myself to breathe as I was reading this book. The characters are so real. The character's reactions are so real. As I sat there with this book in my hands, I felt as though I could have been reading about my own life; I think you will too.
You can read an interview with the author on my blog at:
[...]
I live along a bayou going that runs to the gulf; one road in, and one road out. Due to a bridge closure, the traffic has been very heavy. I was on my way back from the market the other day and a truck came up behind me at a higher rate of speed, and began following very close. The driver was driving erratically and it was making me nervous. It is a two-lane highway and very few passing straight aways. You can only drive as fast or as slow as the car in front of you. It is a test for any person's patience and this day was no different. I normally show my brake lights and slow down a little to get the vehicle behind me to back off a little. It gets the other driver's attention and they realize that they are a little too close. That morning, the driver was extremely aggressive and the first opportunity he had, he roared past me, cut back in front of me nearly clipping my vehicle and slammed on his brakes. Fortunately, my instincts had kicked in as he was passing me and I backed off for my safety. When he cut back in and slammed his brakes, I was stilled forced to slam on my brakes in order to avoid hitting him. He then floored it and proceeded to pass two more cars. A simple tactic, meant to garner attention to safety, which has worked so many times in the past, pushed someone over the edge.
I was stunned. As my mind began to organize my thoughts, all of the scenarios of what could have happened began flashing through my brain. That is what this book is about; the consequences of our actions, how the most mundane or unusual happenings have an effect on our reactions to everything else for the rest of the day. It is about how rage, in its smallest form, can have catastrophic consequences on our own lives, and those who are dearest to us. This story chronicles how a sliver of anger can turn us into someone we cease to recognize.
I found myself, repeatedly, holding my breath, and having to remind myself to breathe as I was reading this book. The characters are so real. The character's reactions are so real. As I sat there with this book in my hands, I felt as though I could have been reading about my own life; I think you will too.
You can read an interview with the author on my blog at:
[...]
While, driving his daughter home from school, Glen succumbs to road rage that results in the death of a teenage driver. Although, not accused of a crime, the guilt he feels cause the dissolution of his marriage.
This short novel is packed with emotion as Glen unravels from his actions, and marriage crumbles. Part of the story is his confession to his six-year old daughter through letters. Will Allison's novel makes the reader think about what one's actions. I found it enjoyable and read it in one sitting. When finishing though, I was wanting more.
This short novel is packed with emotion as Glen unravels from his actions, and marriage crumbles. Part of the story is his confession to his six-year old daughter through letters. Will Allison's novel makes the reader think about what one's actions. I found it enjoyable and read it in one sitting. When finishing though, I was wanting more.
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Glen Bauer is a married father with a six year-old daughter named Sara. He is driving Sara in his car when he sees a police officer go through a red light. He gives the cop the finger and thinks all is over. However, there is a tough guy in front of Glen who thinks that the finger was intended for him. The tough guy stops his car, comes over to Glen and makes sure that Glen can see the gun protruding from inside his jacket. He demands an apology and, by God, he gets it. Glen is thoroughly furious now. His day has been ruined and he's not such a calm driver to begin with. He leaves this scene only to be cut off through three lanes of traffic by a teenager speeding along in a Jaguar. Glen is not a happy camper. He lives in Montclair, New Jersey, a quiet little burb and things like this just don't happen to him. He thinks he has seen the last of the Jaguar but he's wrong. It makes a u-turn and heads back towards Glen just as Glen is about to turn into his driveway. Glen decides to mess with the driver - he's furious. He turns his wheels to get in the same lane as the driver as if to play chicken and at the last minute, pulls away. Meanwhile, however, the driver of the Jaguar loses control of his car and hits a huge Sycamore tree, turning the vehicle over and over. Jamal, the sixteen year-old driver of the Jaguar is dead.
Now Glen is in a moral dilemma. If he tells the truth, he could be arrested as an accomplice to a killing. He also realizes that he put his six-year old daughter, Sara, at risk by his shenanigans. He decides to lie about what happened and say that he was just pulling into his driveway when Jamal lost control of his car. The police investigate and one very perspicacious detective, Rizzo, thinks that Glen is hiding something. Also, the evidence contradicts Glen's story. His tire tracks are several feet beyond his driveway. If, as he says, he was pulling into his driveway, the tracks should end before his driveway starts. Rizzo is on Glen like white on snow.
As Glen begins to tell one lie after another, or omit one fact or another, in order to cover up what happened, his life starts to unravel. His marriage begins to crumble in the wake of fear - fear of litigation or imprisonment, and his wife's sense that Glen is not telling the truth. Glen's moral dilemmas get worse and worse. In fact, he realizes that Sara knows the truth and he wants to keep her as far away from Detective Rizzo as possible. He thinks he can get away with things but the situation keeps getting more and more out of hand. Glen also thinks that if certain situations had not occurred prior to Jamal's accident, he never would have acted like he did. He becomes obsessed with finding someone or something to blame for Jamal's death other than himself.
Jamal's mother hires a lawyer in consideration of a wrongful death suit, Rizzo won't get off Glen's tail and Sara inadvertently speaks to Jamal's mother about the accident. Glen and his wife end up separating, ostensibly to keep their assets separate, but in reality their marriage is becoming a sham.
The novel is told in first person by Glen and also as a letter he is composing for his daughter, Sara, to give to her when she is eighteen. It would have been nice if there had been more of the letter included in the novel as the letter really gets into Glen's head and his rationalizations and truths regarding the accident.
This book is a moral thriller and a good look at today's society. What constitutes a lie versus a lie of omission? Where does truth end and lying begin. When is it right to lie and when does lying take its toll on others' greater freedoms. Allison examines all these issues in a book you won't soon forget. Don't plan on doing anything else once you start this novel. If you're like me, you'll give up eating and sleeping until it's finished.