The Longest Ride
by Nicholas Sparks
Summary
Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together – how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can’t possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.
A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward — even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans — a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy it first.
Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.
My Review
Although I’ve seen almost all of Nicholas Sparks’ movie adaptations, I had yet to read any of his books. I decided it was time to change that. I picked up The Longest Ride because I hadn’t seen the movie yet and noticed it was streaming online. I wanted to read the book first before watching the movie.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a tender, heartwarming, and deeply moving novel that beautifully intertwines two love stories set in different times. This book captivated me from the very first page and kept me engrossed until the end. There is no language and no spice, which I appreciated since I prefer clean, closed-door romances.
The story follows two couples whose lives unexpectedly converge. Ira Levinson, an elderly man, finds himself trapped in his car after a serious accident. As he struggles to stay conscious, he reflects on his long, enduring love with his late wife, Ruth. Their love story is profoundly touching, filled with moments of joy, sorrow, and unwavering commitment.
Parallel to Ira’s narrative is the budding romance between Sophia Danko, a college student recovering from a broken heart, and Luke Collins, a handsome cowboy with a dangerous secret. Sparks expertly weaves these two narratives together, creating a rich tapestry of love, loss, and the challenges that come with both.
One of the best things about The Longest Ride is how deep the characters are. Ira’s memories of his life with Ruth are touching and really bring their enduring love to life. Meanwhile, Sophia and Luke’s relationship is new and exciting but also full of the typical challenges and uncertainties young couples face.
The narrative flows smoothly, with just the right balance of drama and romance, keeping the reader emotionally invested throughout. The themes explored in this story—love, sacrifice, and the impact of the past on the present—are universal and timeless. Sparks reminds us that true love is not just about the moments of bliss but also about weathering the storms together, making sacrifices, and cherishing every moment.
I also loved watching the movie adaptation. It’s right up there with The Notebook as my favorite. There were some differences from the book, but overall, I had a fantastic time watching it. The North Carolina setting was stunning on screen, and it added to the charm of the story. Getting to know both couples through the movie was a delightful experience.
Highly recommend both the book and the movie. I can’t wait to read more by this author.