The Long Road Home

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: Anthony Fusco

Best-selling novelist Danielle Steel takes us on a harrowing journey into the heart of America's hidden shame in a novel that explores the power of forgiveness, the dark side of childhood, and one woman's unbreakable spirit.

From her secret perch at the top of the stairs, Gabriella Harrison watches the guests arrive at her parents' lavish Manhattan townhouse. At seven, she knows she is an intruder in her parents' party, in her parents' life. But she can't resist the magic. Later, she waits for the click, click, click of her mother's high heels, the angry words, and the pain that will follow. Gabriella already knows to hide her bruises, certain she is to blame for her mother's rage - and her father's failure to protect her. Her world is a confusing blend of terror, betrayal, and pain. Her parents' aristocratic world is no safeguard against the abuse that knows no boundaries, respects no person, no economic lines. Gabriella knows that, try as she might, there is no safe place for her to hide.

Even as a child, her only escape is through the stories she writes. Only writing can dull the pain of her lonely world. And when her parents' marriage collapses, Gabriella is given her first reprieve, as her father disappears, and then her mother abandons her to a convent. There, Gabriella's battered body and soul begin to mend. Amid the quiet safety and hushed rituals of the nuns, Gabriella grows into womanhood in a safe, peaceful world. Then a young priest comes into her life.

Father Joe Connors never questioned his vocation until Gabriella entered the confessional and shared her soul. Confession leads to friendship. And friendship grows dangerously into love. Like Gabriella, Joe is haunted by the pain of his childhood, consumed by guilt over a family tragedy, for which he blames himself. With Gabriella, Joe takes the first steps toward healing. But their relationship leads to tragedy as Joe must choose between the priesthood and Gabriella, and life in the real world where he fears he does not belong, and cannot cope.

Exiled and disgraced, and nearly destroyed, Gabriella struggles to survive on her own in New York. There she seeks healing and escape through her writing again, this time as an adult, and her life as a writer begins. But just when she thinks she is beyond hurt, Gabriella is once again betrayed by someone she trusts. Brought to the edge of despair, physically attacked beyond recognition and belief, haunted by abuse in her present and her past, she nonetheless manages to find hope again, and the courage to face the past. On a pilgrimage destined to bring her face-to-face with those who sought to destroy her in her early life, she finds forgiveness, freedom from guilt, and healing from abuse. When Gabriella faces what was done to her, and why, she herself is free at last.

With profound insight, Danielle Steel has created a vivid portrait of an abused child's broken world, and the courage necessary to face it and free herself from the past. A work of daring and compassion, a tale of healing that will shock and touch and move you to your very soul, it exposes the terror of child abuse, and opens the doors on a subject that affects us all. The Long Road Home is more than riveting fiction. It is an inspiration to us all. A work of courage, hope, and love.

©1998 Danielle Steel (P)1998 Bantam Double Day Dell Audio

Never Give Up

Loved this episode ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ She is a wonderful story writer. I only listen to her books.

A REAL story...

Unlike most of the Danielle Steel Books that I have to-date, this one seems more about REAL people living REAL lives... NOT just the rich, famous and wonderful, it speaks about real issues... wish there were more that I, personally, could relate to. I am a REAL person with REAL life drama and help people with abuse-issues. THIS touched me as did the story (I believe it was called) Journey or A Journey or something like that, which spoke of a well-to-do woman who didn't recognize the more subtle abuses of / from her controlling manipulative spouse.

To Danielle Steele... Please, write more REAL STUFF... i don't relate to 200' yachts, SanMaritz, Harry's restaurant, the Claridge... et al. I and many like ME, are down-2-earth people living in REAL dramas... trying to stay afloat the best we can while helping other real people to cope with THEIR own real life dramas... If you need some ideas that will bring tears to your eyes, give me a call!

THIS is actually about the first book I've opted to 'critique' / review. It was / is quite worthy!

Typical

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Maybe. If they like Danielle Steel

Would you be willing to try another book from Danielle Steel? Why or why not?

I'v read many books of Danielle Steel. I typically like them for light quick listening.

What aspect of Anthony Fusco’s performance would you have changed?

I think a woman should have been the narrator.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No, but I might rent it when it comes out on DVD

Any additional comments?

The book was okay. It was interesting, but too short. I think I more lean towards longer books.

Another Hit for Danielle!

What made the experience of listening to The Long Road Home the most enjoyable?

Danielle writes of tragedy and triumph. I have every book she has every written and will continue my library. She puts us right there not with the character but as the character to actually live the story as our own.

What did you like best about this story?

Tragedy to Triumph

Exciting!

I am typically not a reader,however my children got me an I-Pod for Mother's Day. I walk alot and get bored with music. I decided to join Audible.com and this was the first book I ever listened to. It was well written and kept my attention, I couldn't wait to walk again so that I could continue the story. I am anxious to download another book. Thank you for your wonderful website.

Too much negative

I really enjoyed the ending however it was way to short in contrast to how much time was spent on the terrible things done. This was not a balanced book. I would have preferred the ending to be longer so that we actually have time to enjoy the outcome. It This was clearly a rushed book, and not well thought out. I have not bought her books in a while and am disappointed, and likely won't buy again.

Tissues please

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It is very well written and it gets you in right away

What did you like best about this story?

The heroin's strength

What about Anthony Fusco’s performance did you like?

His speaking is very good also the way he took on different tones for different people

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

No

how the characters were made to believe they are real people

I would recommend this book to anyone. I love Daniel Steele books they are the best. she makes the characters feel like they're real people

definately worth the listen!

What did you love best about The Long Road Home?

The story was very new and inventive.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gabriella, she remained strong throughout all of her ordeals.

What about Anthony Fusco’s performance did you like?

He was very believable in all of the characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me cry.

The Long Road Home

Wow. I have read and listened to several Danielle Steel stories and this one was the most tragic story. The character had to survive one horrible ordeal after another starting since her childhood. Danielle Steel stayed with her pattern of writing and you know life will not be wonderful for the main character, but this main character was so young. The character made the best of a bad situation and survived. The long Road Home title was perfect. The ending did give you a feeling of hope. As with life, it takes years and years of life to overcome physical and mental abuse. For a moment there, you did not know if this character was going to make it. The book is hard to enjoy but worth the journey.