The Longer The Fall is the fifth novel by young writer Aviva Gat published in the past few years. As a reader one cannot but admire her dedication to the development of her craft. During her short writing career, she has tackled a wide variety of topics, each meticulously researched, with captivating plots complemented by entertaining prose.
In her latest novel, The Longer The Fall, she ventures into the treacherous minefield of American politics, and specifically the challenges faced by women who try to earn a place in this cutthroat, traditionally male-dominated arena.
The story of Madeline Thomas, a caring mother, a loving wife and a young, ambitious politician is a topical one set in today’s tumultuous American political environment where race relations are under the spotlight and foul play is the order of the day. Madeline wants to be re-elected as senator in order to make a difference and pursue her agenda of mending race relations. Her campaign is interrupted when she receives an envelope containing compromising photos by a blackmailer delivered to her doorstep.
Even if there might not be a shred of truth in these threats, she realises that the mere insinuation would be enough to ruin her career. A rollercoaster ride ensues as Gat’s protagonist fights to stop the scandal from breaking while keeping her marriage intact and the demanding process of her re-election on track.
Reflecting her thorough research of the processes involved in the life of a politician, Gat succeeds in keeping the reader fervently turning the pages with an intriguing plot where nothing is what it seems.
Her novel also highlights and reminds that we still have some way to go in terms of levelling the playing field when it comes to ambitions and roles of women versus men in modern day politics. And, indeed, in most fields where women are trying to stake a place while balancing the antiquated but still very much prevailing female stereotypical responsibilities of homemakers, parents and loving, obedient wives.
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