Long Bright River by Liz Moore

Opioid addiction has slashed a gaping wound across the American landscape. The evil knows no bounds equally devastating urban/rural, rich/poor, black/brown/white, young and old. There are far more villains than heroes in this tragedy, with victims numbering in the millions.

I know this world and work in it. I also know Philadelphia, Kensington, Camden and environs. Liz Moore absolutely nails it all in “Long Bright River”. Character depictions are spot on. The terror, anguish, horror and deceit are palpable and vitally real.

At the same time the narrative is rich and nuanced when it could have easily been maudlin and melodramatic. Characters are layered, vulnerable, tragic and resilient.

Thank you, Riverhead and NetGally for the eArc. “Long Bright River” is a must read for anyone impacted by the opioid epidemic- in other words for everyone.