47 pages • 1 hour read
Nick HornbyA Long Way Down
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Nick Hornby's 2005 novel A Long Way Down, four strangers—Martin, Maureen, Jess, and JJ—meet on a rooftop on New Year's Eve, each contemplating suicide. They form an unexpected bond and agree to postpone their plans. Over six weeks, they navigate their personal struggles, support one another, and find renewed purpose, ultimately committing to a ninety-day reprieve from suicide. The book addresses themes of mental illness and suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Nick Hornby's A Long Way Down is praised for its dark humor, engaging dialogue, and unique narrative style, weaving together the stories of four strangers contemplating suicide. However, some find the characters underdeveloped and the plot gimmicky. Overall, it's a thoughtful yet uneven exploration of desperation and human connection.
Who Should Read A Long Way Down?
Fans of dark comedy, emotional depth, and ensemble narratives will enjoy A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby. Similar to readers of Hornby's High Fidelity or Jonathan Tropper’s This is Where I Leave You, they appreciate humor laced with poignancy and characters grappling with life's complexities.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Depression / Suicide
Mental Illness
British Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Humor