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Historical Fiction· Guyana

The Longest Memory

by Fred D'Aguiar
Aggregate Editorial Score68/100
★Costa Book Award
Published 1994English
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About This Book

Fred D'Aguiar's The Longest Memory (1994) stands as one of the most significant works of historical fiction of its era. Fred D'Aguiar's 'The Longest Memory' is a poignant narrative about slavery and its enduring impact. Set on a Virginian plantation, the novel is told through multiple perspectives, offering a profound meditation on memory, trauma, and the quest for freedom. It is lauded for its lyrical prose and its unflinching examination of a painful historical period. Themes of slavery, memory, freedom run through the work. The book has received recognition from Whitbread First Novel Award 1994.

Book Details

AuthorFred D'Aguiar
Published1994
Country of Origin🇬🇾 Guyana
LanguageEnglish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780671887653
Editorial Score68/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇾 Guyana

This book is part of Guyana's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Guyana →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1994, Fred D'Aguiar's The Longest Memory is a work of historical fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with slavery, memory, freedom, trauma gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Longest Memory among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Whitbread First Novel Award 1994. Our aggregate score of 68/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Longest Memory lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of slavery, memory, freedom, trauma is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. The Longest Memory reflects Fred D'Aguiar's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Guyana's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Costa Book Award
winner · global
19940
✍️
About the Author
Fred D'Aguiar
Guyana
View Author →

Fred D'Aguiar is a Guyana author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Longest Memory about?

Fred D'Aguiar's 'The Longest Memory' is a poignant narrative about slavery and its enduring impact. Set on a Virginian plantation, the novel is told through multiple perspectives, offering a profound meditation on memory, trauma, and the quest for freedom. It is lauded for its lyrical prose and its unflinching examination of a painful historical period.

Who wrote The Longest Memory?

The Longest Memory was written by Fred D'Aguiar, from Guyana. First published in 1994.

What awards has The Longest Memory won?

The Longest Memory has received the following recognition: Whitbread First Novel Award 1994.

Is The Longest Memory worth reading?

The Longest Memory is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 68/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in slavery, memory, freedom.

Where can I buy The Longest Memory?

You can buy The Longest Memory on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Longest Memory?

The Longest Memory is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Longest Memory from?

The Longest Memory originates from Guyana's literary tradition. Explore more books from Guyana on our country page.

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