The Longest Ride (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | September 17, 2013 |
| Founder | Nicholas Sparks |
| Products | Romantic novel |
The Longest Ride represents the 17th romantic novel penned by Nicholas Sparks, published on September 17, 2013.
Summary
Following a car accident that leaves Ira Levinson, an elderly widower, immobilized, his fate becomes closely connected with Sophia Danko, a university student, and her cowboy partner, Luke Collins. The narrative is presented through their viewpoints as they each confront their individual and shared journeys.
Ira, aged ninety-one and experiencing health decline, remains mentally engaged by reminiscing about his deceased wife Ruth. His reflections encompass their shared life, including their extensive art collection and the effects of World War II.
In proximity, Sophia attends Wake Forest University and meets Luke, a daring bull rider whose hazardous profession tests their bond. The novel juxtaposes these two couples from distinct generations and backgrounds whose paths cross with significant consequences.
Black Mountain College
The story takes inspiration from Black Mountain College (1933–1957), a progressive arts school pivotal to the development of modern art. Artistic movements highlighted include Abstract Expressionism, Futurism, Bauhaus, Cubism, and Lyrical Abstractionism.
Ira and Ruth Levinson’s history includes a honeymoon trip to Black Mountain College, where they encountered artists and purchased six paintings. This event initiated a collection exceeding one thousand works centered on twentieth-century American modern art. Prominent artists mentioned are Ken Noland, Ray Johnson, Robert Rauschenberg, Elaine de Kooning, Willem de Kooning, Susan Weil, Pat Passlof, Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso.
Film
The novel was adapted into a movie by 20th Century Fox, released on April 10, 2015. Directed by George Tillman Jr. with a script by Craig Bolotin, the film stars Britt Robertson as Sophia Danko, Oona Chaplin portraying Ruth, Scott Eastwood as Luke Collins, Jack Huston playing Young Ira, Barry Ratcliffe as the Auctioneer, and Alan Alda in the role of Older Ira.
Production commenced on June 16, 2014, with filming locations including Wilmington, Jacksonville, and Winston-Salem in North Carolina.