39 pages • 1 hour read
Gloria NaylorLinden Hills
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985A 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
Linden Hills by Gloria Naylor explores an affluent Black community through Lester, a resident, and Willie, an outsider. As they traverse the neighborhood, they uncover the dark underbelly of its pursuit of the American dream, witnessing how the quest for status and wealth leads to moral decay and personal tragedy. Their journey mirrors Dante's Inferno, culminating in a metaphorical and literal descent to the community's core, overseen by the Nedeed family. The novel delves into class, hierarchy, racism, and misogyny.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Linden Hills by Gloria Naylor is lauded for its rich narrative and deep examination of African American experiences within a suburban setting. Critics appreciate Naylor’s intricate character development and social commentary. However, some find the plot pacing slow and narrative structure complex. Overall, it is considered a thought-provoking and significant literary work.
Who Should Read Linden Hills?
Readers who savor richly layered narratives exploring African American life, akin to Toni Morrison's Beloved or Alice Walker's The Color Purple, will appreciate Gloria Naylor's Linden Hills. The book delves into the complexities of identity, class, and community in a fictional suburb, appealing to those drawn to profound, socially conscious literature.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
African American Literature