What do readers think of The Long Ago by Michael McGarrity? Write your own review.

The Long Ago by Michael McGarrity is a lovely novel --- not fine literature but enjoyable, none the less. Significance of the title is revealed at the end of chapter five as the cast of characters is being developed. Set mainly in Montana and California, with a foray into Vietnam, the reader is treated to a descriptive travelogue all within the theme of interconnectedness. My favorite character is Dean, a model of an ever-thoughtful and ever-thorough man. He wisely speaks of life's events as "consequence, coincidence, and circumstance."

I offer one piece of advice: Do not read this book when hungry as there are frequent refences to food --- scrambled eggs, bacon, steaks, and barbecue.

One criticism: some of the conversations are corny/schmaltzy, particularly those between Ray and Beth.

I was fascinated by the time frame of this novel - Vietnam, just before the Vietnam War. And I love Montana as a setting for anything. Unfortunately, the book did not overwhelm me in the way I hoped it would. The whole premise of the story, Barbara's disappearance, seemed odd - I never bought into her her just taking off without telling anyone - except her friend, who conveniently kept her mouth shut until after sleeping with Barbara's brother. (And after that deceit and two-ish letters, they get married?!) I found the dialogue between characters unnatural. It felt stunted and awkward. I actually cringed as I read parts of it. I did appreciate the details about how the search was handled. However, even that seemed too convenient, what with everyone involved knowing just the right person who could also become involved. How do you just find a guy walking around LA to bring him to the police station? The author also provided a lot of unnecessary details in my mind. Descriptions went on too long. I think there was a lot of "telling" instead of "showing" that just bogged down the story.

I think Michael McGarrity should stick to crime writing as this book is very amateurish and poorly written. The plot centers around two siblings, one of whom supposedly is missing but in actuality just never thinks about informing her loved ones she is off to find herself. Characters come and go at random and the love scenes could be written by a high schooler. Absurd coincidences occur throughout the story. This novel definitely has the make it up as you go along feel as there was never enough substance for any real character development or emotion. I hate to be so harsh but this really was extremely disappointing.