The Long Way Home

The Midwest is a vast and empty landscape, filled with memories of lives lived having kept everything inside. These memories haunt the landscape and attach themselves to objects, sounds, smells, and the wind. The author's 5-week, 500-mile walk from Chicago to Minneapolis is a closely observed account of his journey through the memories of his traumatic and painful life, and the history, culture, and experience of this part of the Midwest is revealed in a way that will captivate any interested reader.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2022
Publisher: Triarchy Press

We, the residents of the Midwest, tend to keep our thoughts and emotions within ourselves. Those who venture into the vast expanse of the open sky, where the horizon meets the sky, understand this intimately. The sky dominates the landscape, presenting a mesmerizing infinite blue during the summer and a stark gray during the winter. Consequently, we lower our heads and confine our thoughts. However, the landscape is imbued with memories of lives lived with everything held inside. These memories, like a gentle spring or a foggy mist, seep out of us and attach themselves to various objects, sounds, scents, and even the wind. They cling to anything that can bear their weight, creating a haunting presence.

Among the memories we carry within, some are truly terrible. They remind us of the harm inflicted upon us and the harm we have caused others. We suppress these memories, desperately running from them. We run so far and so deep that they become forgotten, leaving us lost and disconnected from the essence of life.

This is where "The Long Way Home" begins, a deeply personal and captivating account of the author's actual 5-week, 500-mile walk from Chicago to Minneapolis. It is a journey that intertwines with his parallel exploration of the memories of his traumatic and painful life as a young man. Along the way, he encounters various people and places, shedding light on the history, culture, and experiences of this part of the Midwest in a way that will captivate any reader with an interest in this region.

The author's encounters with individuals and landmarks along the journey provide a profound insight into the history, culture, and experiences of the Midwest. From the small towns and rural landscapes to the bustling cities, each place he visits adds a new layer to his understanding of this part of the country. The stories he shares, the conversations he engages in, and the memories he revisits during his walk evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection.

"The Long Way Home" is not just a physical journey; it is a psychological one as well. The author uses his walk as a means to confront his past and heal from the wounds he has carried for years. Through his introspection and self-discovery, he gains a deeper understanding of himself and his motivations. He confronts his fears, his insecurities, and his demons, ultimately finding a sense of peace and closure.

The book also sheds light on the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The author faces numerous challenges and obstacles during his walk, from physical exhaustion to emotional turmoil. However, he perseveres, driven by his determination to overcome his past and find a new path forward. His journey inspires others to confront their own challenges and embrace the healing power of self-reflection.

In conclusion, "The Long Way Home" is a remarkable book that offers a unique perspective on the Midwest and the human experience. Through the author's personal journey and introspection, he provides a deep understanding of the memories we carry within, the challenges we face, and the resilience we possess. This book will captivate readers with its vivid storytelling, compelling characters, and profound insights into the human condition.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 128 x 203 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913743604