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9780812997743 English 0812997743 A scintillating debut novel about a young couple whose marriage is tested when they move to an army base rife with love triangles, life-or-death conflicts, and a dramatic cover-up In 1959, Nat Collier moves with her husband, Paul, and their two young daughters to Idaho Falls, a remote military town. An Army Specialist, Paul is stationed there to help oversee one of the country's first nuclear reactors--an assignment that seems full of opportunity. Then, on his rounds, Paul discovers that the reactor is compromised, placing his family and the entire community in danger. Worse, his superiors set out to cover up the problem rather than fix it. Paul can't bring himself to tell Nat the truth, but his lies only widen a growing gulf between them. Lonely and restless, Nat is having trouble adjusting to their new life. She struggles to fit into her role as a housewife and longs for a real friend. When she meets a rancher, Esrom, she finds herself drawn to him, comforted by his kindness and company. But as rumors spread, the secrets between Nat and Paul build and threaten to reach a breaking point. Based on a true story of the only fatal nuclear accident to occur in America, The Longest Night is a deeply moving novel that explores the intricate makeup of a marriage, the shifting nature of trust, and the ways we try to protect the ones we love. Praise for The Longest Night "Think Army Wives meets Serial meets your perfect long weekend read. About an army base with a lot of love triangles, and a cover-up." -- theSkimm "The tension builds heavily with each page." -- InStyle "In both Paul and Nat we find echoes of Frank and April Wheeler in Richard Yates's classic novel of late-1950s suburbia, Revolutionary Road . . . . [ The Longest Night ] not only packs taut, enthralling and utterly absorbing drama, but unexpected triumph and grace." -- Paste " The Longest Night is not only a revealing story of a community gripped by Cold War paranoia, but also an unsettling portrait of commitment and desire." -- BookPage "This is a great first novel." -- Library Journal "Scintillating . . . A smoldering, altogether impressive debut that probes the social and emotional strains on military families in a fresh and insightful way." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[A] luminous debut . . . [Andria] Williams expertly builds tension between Paul and Nat as the story progresses towards the inevitable nuclear tragedy in this utterly absorbing and richly rewarding novel." -- Booklist (starred review) "Andria Williams's debut is an intimately detailed portrait of love, trust, and guilt in a town--and an era--clouded with secrets." --Celeste Ng, author of Everything I Never Told You "A smart and compassionate novel that offers as many fresh insights into marriage and intimacy as it does about American nuclear history. Andria Williams is a terrific writer--clear-eyed and empathetic--and this is a fantastic debut." --Molly Antopol, author of The UnAmericans "It's hard to believe The Longest Night is Andria Williams's debut novel. Her command of language, character and plot--the three essential ingredients for a riveting read--is extraordinary." --David Abrams, author of Fobbit, In this absorbing and suspenseful debut novel reminiscent of "Revolutionary Road" and inspired by a little-known piece of history a young couple must fight to save both their marriage and the town they live in. In 1959, Nat Collier moves with her husband, Paul, and their two young daughters to Idaho Falls, a remote military town. An Army Specialist, Paul is stationed there to help oversee one of the country s first nuclear reactors an assignment that seems full of opportunity. Then, on his rounds, Paul discovers that the reactor is compromised, placing his family and the entire community in danger. Worse, his superiors set out to cover up the problem rather than fix it. Paul can t bring himself to tell Nat the truth, but his lies only widen a growing gulf between them. Lonely and restless, Nat is having trouble adjusting to their new life. She struggles to fit into her role as a housewife and longs for a real friend. When she meets a rancher, Esrom, she finds herself drawn to him, comforted by his kindness and company. But as rumors spread, the secrets between Nat and Paul build and threaten to reach a breaking point. Based on a true story of the only fatal nuclear accident to occur in America, "The Longest Night" is a deeply moving novel that explores the intricate makeup of a marriage, the shifting nature of trust, and the ways we try to protect the ones we love. Advance praise for "The Longest Night" "" In "The Longest Night, " unspoken longings within a marriage trigger an emotional explosion just as intense as the nuclear accident at the novel s core. Andria Williams s debut is an intimately detailed portrait of love, trust, and guilt in a town and an era clouded with secrets. Celeste Ng, "New York Times "bestselling author of "Everything I Never Told You" In "The Longest Night, " Andria Williams demonstrates her masterly understanding of the painfully gorgeous intimacies of the human condition. The author s thrilling storyline will keep you turning the pages, while her ability to inject a sharp dose of hope, fear, and desire into the most innocent of scenes will take you captive. I loved it. David R. Gillham, "New York Times "bestselling author of "City of Women" It s hard to believe "The Longest Night" is Andria Williams s debut novel. Her command of language, character, and plot the three essential ingredients for a riveting read is extraordinary. This is the book I will be pressing into my friends hands this year when they ask me what they should be reading. David Abrams, author of "Fobbit" "" "The Longest Night" is a smart and compassionate novel that offers as many fresh insights into marriage and intimacy as it does about American nuclear history. Andria Williams is a terrific writer clear-eyed and empathetic and this is a fantastic debut. Molly Antopol, author of "The UnAmericans" "" Williams brilliantly balances high-wire tension with heart-crushing empathy for her cast of seeking, flawed, beautifully complex characters. This debut novel effortlessly evokes the mores and signposts of an earlier era, and brings to life characters whose loneliness, longing, and dignity are rendered with an indelible vividness that transcends time. Suzanne Rivecca, author of "Death Is Not an Option"", In this absorbing and suspenseful debut novel--reminiscent of Revolutionary Road and inspired by a little-known piece of history--a young couple must fight to save both their marriage and the town they live in. In 1959, Nat Collier moves with her husband, Paul, and their two young daughters to Idaho Falls, a remote military town. An Army Specialist, Paul is stationed there to help oversee one of the country's first nuclear reactors--an assignment that seems full of opportunity. Then, on his rounds, Paul discovers that the reactor is compromised, placing his family and the entire community in danger. Worse, his superiors set out to cover up the problem rather than fix it. Paul can't bring himself to tell Nat the truth, but his lies only widen a growing gulf between them. Lonely and restless, Nat is having trouble adjusting to their new life. She struggles to fit into her role as a housewife and longs for a real friend. When she meets a rancher, Esrom, she finds herself drawn to him, comforted by his kindness and company. But as rumors spread, the secrets between Nat and Paul build and threaten to reach a breaking point. Based on a true story of the only fatal nuclear accident to occur in America, The Longest Night is a deeply moving novel that explores the intricate makeup of a marriage, the shifting nature of trust, and the ways we try to protect the ones we love. Advance praise for The Longest Night "In The Longest Night, Andria Williams demonstrates her masterly understanding of the painfully gorgeous intimacies of the human condition. The author's thrilling storyline will keep you turning the pages, while her ability to inject a sharp dose of hope, fear, and desire into the most innocent of scenes will take you captive. I loved it." --David R. Gillham, author of City of Women "Andria Williams writes about the challenges and struggles faced by military families in a wholly original way. As a military spouse, Williams brings every nuance of this world to life, but it's her brimming talent and startling insight into the fragility and tenacity of marriage that kept me glued to the page." --Siobhan Fallon, author of You Know When the Men Are Gone "Engrossing, witty, dynamic, and beautifully written, The Longest Night is a literary thrill ride. Andria Williams's characters--particularly the 1960s military wives--are portrayed with extraordinary intimacy. This is a lovely, harrowing, and original novel. You will want to read it in a single night." --Julie Schumacher, author of Dear Committee Members "Andria Williams's wonderful debut novel is a sobering yet inspiring portrait of human nature, with precisely rendered details about the early years of the nuclear power era. With exceptional characterization, serious content, graceful structure, and a storyline as gripping as a psychological thriller, The Longest Night is both unforgettable and impossible to put down." --Frederick Reiken, author of Day for Night "There is a kind of story about the American West that you think you know. And this book destabilizes it. Williams creates characters who challenge the protocols of the time, and are irradiated by the results. This is the West I want to read about, where landscape shapes and dislocates, where one falls and is found again. Compassionate and compelling, Williams honors the lives of her characters, and shines in this striking debut." --Nina McConigley, author of Cowboys and East Indians
9780812997743 English 0812997743 A scintillating debut novel about a young couple whose marriage is tested when they move to an army base rife with love triangles, life-or-death conflicts, and a dramatic cover-up In 1959, Nat Collier moves with her husband, Paul, and their two young daughters to Idaho Falls, a remote military town. An Army Specialist, Paul is stationed there to help oversee one of the country's first nuclear reactors--an assignment that seems full of opportunity. Then, on his rounds, Paul discovers that the reactor is compromised, placing his family and the entire community in danger. Worse, his superiors set out to cover up the problem rather than fix it. Paul can't bring himself to tell Nat the truth, but his lies only widen a growing gulf between them. Lonely and restless, Nat is having trouble adjusting to their new life. She struggles to fit into her role as a housewife and longs for a real friend. When she meets a rancher, Esrom, she finds herself drawn to him, comforted by his kindness and company. But as rumors spread, the secrets between Nat and Paul build and threaten to reach a breaking point. Based on a true story of the only fatal nuclear accident to occur in America, The Longest Night is a deeply moving novel that explores the intricate makeup of a marriage, the shifting nature of trust, and the ways we try to protect the ones we love. Praise for The Longest Night "Think Army Wives meets Serial meets your perfect long weekend read. About an army base with a lot of love triangles, and a cover-up." -- theSkimm "The tension builds heavily with each page." -- InStyle "In both Paul and Nat we find echoes of Frank and April Wheeler in Richard Yates's classic novel of late-1950s suburbia, Revolutionary Road . . . . [ The Longest Night ] not only packs taut, enthralling and utterly absorbing drama, but unexpected triumph and grace." -- Paste " The Longest Night is not only a revealing story of a community gripped by Cold War paranoia, but also an unsettling portrait of commitment and desire." -- BookPage "This is a great first novel." -- Library Journal "Scintillating . . . A smoldering, altogether impressive debut that probes the social and emotional strains on military families in a fresh and insightful way." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[A] luminous debut . . . [Andria] Williams expertly builds tension between Paul and Nat as the story progresses towards the inevitable nuclear tragedy in this utterly absorbing and richly rewarding novel." -- Booklist (starred review) "Andria Williams's debut is an intimately detailed portrait of love, trust, and guilt in a town--and an era--clouded with secrets." --Celeste Ng, author of Everything I Never Told You "A smart and compassionate novel that offers as many fresh insights into marriage and intimacy as it does about American nuclear history. Andria Williams is a terrific writer--clear-eyed and empathetic--and this is a fantastic debut." --Molly Antopol, author of The UnAmericans "It's hard to believe The Longest Night is Andria Williams's debut novel. Her command of language, character and plot--the three essential ingredients for a riveting read--is extraordinary." --David Abrams, author of Fobbit, In this absorbing and suspenseful debut novel reminiscent of "Revolutionary Road" and inspired by a little-known piece of history a young couple must fight to save both their marriage and the town they live in. In 1959, Nat Collier moves with her husband, Paul, and their two young daughters to Idaho Falls, a remote military town. An Army Specialist, Paul is stationed there to help oversee one of the country s first nuclear reactors an assignment that seems full of opportunity. Then, on his rounds, Paul discovers that the reactor is compromised, placing his family and the entire community in danger. Worse, his superiors set out to cover up the problem rather than fix it. Paul can t bring himself to tell Nat the truth, but his lies only widen a growing gulf between them. Lonely and restless, Nat is having trouble adjusting to their new life. She struggles to fit into her role as a housewife and longs for a real friend. When she meets a rancher, Esrom, she finds herself drawn to him, comforted by his kindness and company. But as rumors spread, the secrets between Nat and Paul build and threaten to reach a breaking point. Based on a true story of the only fatal nuclear accident to occur in America, "The Longest Night" is a deeply moving novel that explores the intricate makeup of a marriage, the shifting nature of trust, and the ways we try to protect the ones we love. Advance praise for "The Longest Night" "" In "The Longest Night, " unspoken longings within a marriage trigger an emotional explosion just as intense as the nuclear accident at the novel s core. Andria Williams s debut is an intimately detailed portrait of love, trust, and guilt in a town and an era clouded with secrets. Celeste Ng, "New York Times "bestselling author of "Everything I Never Told You" In "The Longest Night, " Andria Williams demonstrates her masterly understanding of the painfully gorgeous intimacies of the human condition. The author s thrilling storyline will keep you turning the pages, while her ability to inject a sharp dose of hope, fear, and desire into the most innocent of scenes will take you captive. I loved it. David R. Gillham, "New York Times "bestselling author of "City of Women" It s hard to believe "The Longest Night" is Andria Williams s debut novel. Her command of language, character, and plot the three essential ingredients for a riveting read is extraordinary. This is the book I will be pressing into my friends hands this year when they ask me what they should be reading. David Abrams, author of "Fobbit" "" "The Longest Night" is a smart and compassionate novel that offers as many fresh insights into marriage and intimacy as it does about American nuclear history. Andria Williams is a terrific writer clear-eyed and empathetic and this is a fantastic debut. Molly Antopol, author of "The UnAmericans" "" Williams brilliantly balances high-wire tension with heart-crushing empathy for her cast of seeking, flawed, beautifully complex characters. This debut novel effortlessly evokes the mores and signposts of an earlier era, and brings to life characters whose loneliness, longing, and dignity are rendered with an indelible vividness that transcends time. Suzanne Rivecca, author of "Death Is Not an Option"", In this absorbing and suspenseful debut novel--reminiscent of Revolutionary Road and inspired by a little-known piece of history--a young couple must fight to save both their marriage and the town they live in. In 1959, Nat Collier moves with her husband, Paul, and their two young daughters to Idaho Falls, a remote military town. An Army Specialist, Paul is stationed there to help oversee one of the country's first nuclear reactors--an assignment that seems full of opportunity. Then, on his rounds, Paul discovers that the reactor is compromised, placing his family and the entire community in danger. Worse, his superiors set out to cover up the problem rather than fix it. Paul can't bring himself to tell Nat the truth, but his lies only widen a growing gulf between them. Lonely and restless, Nat is having trouble adjusting to their new life. She struggles to fit into her role as a housewife and longs for a real friend. When she meets a rancher, Esrom, she finds herself drawn to him, comforted by his kindness and company. But as rumors spread, the secrets between Nat and Paul build and threaten to reach a breaking point. Based on a true story of the only fatal nuclear accident to occur in America, The Longest Night is a deeply moving novel that explores the intricate makeup of a marriage, the shifting nature of trust, and the ways we try to protect the ones we love. Advance praise for The Longest Night "In The Longest Night, Andria Williams demonstrates her masterly understanding of the painfully gorgeous intimacies of the human condition. The author's thrilling storyline will keep you turning the pages, while her ability to inject a sharp dose of hope, fear, and desire into the most innocent of scenes will take you captive. I loved it." --David R. Gillham, author of City of Women "Andria Williams writes about the challenges and struggles faced by military families in a wholly original way. As a military spouse, Williams brings every nuance of this world to life, but it's her brimming talent and startling insight into the fragility and tenacity of marriage that kept me glued to the page." --Siobhan Fallon, author of You Know When the Men Are Gone "Engrossing, witty, dynamic, and beautifully written, The Longest Night is a literary thrill ride. Andria Williams's characters--particularly the 1960s military wives--are portrayed with extraordinary intimacy. This is a lovely, harrowing, and original novel. You will want to read it in a single night." --Julie Schumacher, author of Dear Committee Members "Andria Williams's wonderful debut novel is a sobering yet inspiring portrait of human nature, with precisely rendered details about the early years of the nuclear power era. With exceptional characterization, serious content, graceful structure, and a storyline as gripping as a psychological thriller, The Longest Night is both unforgettable and impossible to put down." --Frederick Reiken, author of Day for Night "There is a kind of story about the American West that you think you know. And this book destabilizes it. Williams creates characters who challenge the protocols of the time, and are irradiated by the results. This is the West I want to read about, where landscape shapes and dislocates, where one falls and is found again. Compassionate and compelling, Williams honors the lives of her characters, and shines in this striking debut." --Nina McConigley, author of Cowboys and East Indians