Book: The Long Take

"The Long Take" by Robin Robertson is a mesmerizing blend of poetry and prose that follows the harrowing journey of Walker, a war-scarred D-Day veteran who finds himself grappling with post-war trauma and searching for meaning in the shadowy urban landscapes of America. Set in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the narrative unfolds primarily in the gritty streets of Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, capturing the stark realities of a nation in transition. As Walker navigates through a world defined by dislocation and change, the book delves deeply into themes of displacement, fragmentation, and the lingering impact of violence. Robertson's evocative language and sharp imagery bring to life the contrasts between the natural world Walker once knew and the burgeoning cities he now inhabits. With its cinematic scope and poignant exploration of human resilience, "The Long Take" offers a haunting reflection on the cost of war and the enduring quest for belonging in a fragmented world.