Sillitoe, Alan: 1928 - 2010

The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner, 1959 - Information about the Book

  • General Information
    • The story can be read as a gesture of self-assertion and refusal on the part of a young everyman to accept the smug, comfortable values of a decaying older generation.
    • Information from Wikipedia

    • Born into a working-class family in Nottingham, Sillitoe endured a childhood marked by poverty, instability, and domestic strife. His father was often unemployed and abusive.

      Sillitoe left school at 14 to work in a factory, a background that gave him firsthand insight into the struggles of the working class.

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  • Facts
    • Awards: While the novel itself hasn't won specific awards, it has gathered significant critical acclaim and has been highly regarded since its publication.

    • Class Distinction
      The story highlights the stark contrast between the working class and the upper class. The warden and his associates speak "Oxford English" and represent the establishment, while the inmates are from the working class. Smith's personal morality is shaped by his defiance against the system.

      Rebellion and Defiance
      Smith's decision not to win the race is a symbol of his rebellion against the system that has imprisoned him. He refuses to vindicate the establishment by winning, choosing instead to maintain his own sense of self-worth and honesty.

      Social Realism
      The story portrays the bleak life of the working class in Britain during the late 1950s and early 1960s, emphasizing the class divisions and the struggles faced by the lower classes.

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    • "The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner" is widely regarded as a significant work in English literature. It is a classic example of the "kitchen sink realism" movement, which emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on the lives of working-class people and addressing social issues with a raw, unvarnished perspective.

      Sillitoe's writing style is noted for its directness and clarity, capturing the protagonist's voice and thoughts with authenticity and power.

      The novella received critical acclaim for its insightful depiction of a working-class protagonist and its critique of social structures. Critics praised Sillitoe for his empathetic and realistic portrayal of his characters.

      Critics have lauded Sillitoe's ability to infuse the sport with deeper philosophical meaning.

      The novella is seen as an important representation of the working class in literature, giving voice to their struggles and aspirations in a way that had not been commonly done before.

      Overall, "The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner" is perceived as a powerful, enduring work that offers a profound commentary on society and the individual's place within it. It remains an important text for understanding mid-20th-century British literature and social history.

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    • Reader Rating:
  • Commentary
    • Alan Sillitoe’s "The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner" is a poignant exploration of rebellion, individuality, and class struggle. The novella follows Smith, a working-class youth confined to a Borstal (reform school), who uses long-distance running as a means of self-reflection and defiance. Through solitary runs, Smith confronts societal oppression and affirms his identity by rejecting conformity. His deliberate loss in a race, despite being poised to win, symbolizes his resistance to authority and refusal to be exploited for institutional gain.

      The narrative delves into themes of isolation, both physical and emotional, as Smith grapples with his place in a rigid class system. His rebellion is not impulsive but calculated, embodying a conscious rejection of societal expectations. Sillitoe’s raw realism captures the struggles of the working class while presenting Smith as a symbol of defiance against systemic oppression. The novella remains a powerful commentary on individuality and resistance within an unequal society.

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  • Reviews
    • Review: "The stories are all grim and have a very male focus, plus there is a tendency for very long paragraphs." N S Ford; June 4, 2019
    • Review: "These are not uplifting or “feel good” stories, as you can well see. What they do describe are young men who feel trapped in a banal existence." Bob on Books; August 2, 2018
  • Explanations

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