Set in a small New England town at the beginning of the twentieth century, The Long Love is the story of how two people grew to love each other over the course of their marriage. Edward Haslatt is the son of a working class printer, and Margaret Seaton is the daughter of the wealthiest man in town. Although their parents discourage the match and it takes Margaret a long time to accept Edward’s marriage proposal, their marriage is seemingly successful. Edward buys out his father’s partner and expands the business until he is one of the most successful businessmen in town and becomes the head of a large family of four children, several grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is fairly conservative, and after two world wars, the world begins to change considerably. Throughout their many decades together, Edward and Margaret learn more and more about how to love each other.

This wasn’t one of Buck’s best novels, although it wasn’t bad. The characters are limited and have some views that are definitely old-fashioned, so it’s hard to really care about them. I also have my doubts as to how realistic Edward and Margaret’s relationship was. The ending was touching, however, and wrapped everything up nicely. ( )