What do you think?
Rate this book
Where Nothing Is Long Ago: Memories of a Mormon Childhood
The narrator of these stories is an adult remembering her experiences as a child and telling them from a child's perspective. The stories often attempt to understand the values of the writer's community and depend on the reader's ability to recognize the ironic distance between the child's perception and the meaning of the incidents to the narrator. Two of these stories were originally published in The New Yorker.
220 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
3 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Sorensen
16 books23 followersVirginia Louise Sorensen (February 17, 1912-1991) was an American writer. Her role in Utah and Mormon literature places her within the "lost generation" of Mormon writers. She was awarded the 1957 Newbery Medal for her children's novel, Miracles on Maple Hill.
Sorensen was born in Provo, Utah in 1912, and it was her family's own stories that influenced her early novels of the American West.
Sorensen was born in Provo, Utah in 1912, and it was her family's own stories that influenced her early novels of the American West.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 17, 2012
I did not know this book existed until I accidentally came across it at the library in the biography section. I have read several of Sorensen's fiction novels, but had no idea this was published. It is a 1998 reprint; it was first published in the late 1960s. Signature Books categorizes it as Fiction (short stories) but it's shelved in the biographies, and although Sorensen did not like this work labeled as anything but "stories," the consensus by the voices that count (Susan Elizabeth Howe, Eugene England, namely) is that it is a collection of personal essays/narratives.
I loved the whole book, every story. Virginia Sorensen and Doug Thayer are for me two of the best LDS writers out there. It is unfortunate that no one has really replaced Sorensen, and Doug Thayer is very old now, and I am not sure who will really fill in when he is gone. (These two authors are not ones you will find on the shelf of Deseret Book.)
As usual I have not taken the time to really compose my thoughts and criticism of this work, but it does deserve that. I will instead quote Eugene England's description of this collection. Her stories create "a complex structure of memory and reflection, of discovered and recreated self, that reveals the complex shape of her belief and moves us toward correspondingly full and complex judgment and sympathy." I truly agree with Howe (who wrote the Foreword) that Sorensen is a masterful storyteller.
I loved the whole book, every story. Virginia Sorensen and Doug Thayer are for me two of the best LDS writers out there. It is unfortunate that no one has really replaced Sorensen, and Doug Thayer is very old now, and I am not sure who will really fill in when he is gone. (These two authors are not ones you will find on the shelf of Deseret Book.)
As usual I have not taken the time to really compose my thoughts and criticism of this work, but it does deserve that. I will instead quote Eugene England's description of this collection. Her stories create "a complex structure of memory and reflection, of discovered and recreated self, that reveals the complex shape of her belief and moves us toward correspondingly full and complex judgment and sympathy." I truly agree with Howe (who wrote the Foreword) that Sorensen is a masterful storyteller.
May 6, 2010
I truly love Virginia Sorensen--she's my new idol. This book is a series of essays about her childhood growing up Mormon in rural Utah. Even though she was a child in the 40s, there is so much I can relate to and there were still remnants of that way of life, in my own childhood though I grew up in the 80s. There is a chapter here about her pet kitten that made me cry... And I don't even like cats! Her ability to remember her childhood and the impressions and emotions of childhood is impressive. I'm sure she embellishes and uses poetic license, but still. . . I love reading about things that are utterly familiar to me by a gifted, perceptive, sensitive writer. PURE PLEASURE. I wish it was ten times as long.
Read
February 5, 2023Virginia Sorensen’s children’s book Miracles on Maple Hill has long been a favorite of mine. When I learned she had written more books, and had grown up in a Mormon home as I had, I just had to find out more. These stories are quaint and sweet. Some I found long. Her upbringing and the history of her time was enjoyable and sometimes odd to read about. I’m sure my own upbringing made it more interesting to me.
November 14, 2021
3.5 rounded up
Virginia Soresnsen spent her childhood in small Mormon towns, as tight-knit as they were isolated during the years before and following World War I. These essays/short stories are based around memories from this time and place - and she admits that while they are not non-fiction, they are all based on real experiences.
They are lovely, truly taking me back to a world that doesn't exist anymore. Her style is sharp and inquisitive and each story is told through her childish eyes. We learn about things along with her, piece together adult conversations and see truth within a greater context. Having a Mormon Childhood of my own, there is a lot of culture and history that resonate so deeply within my own life - and yet when she was a young teenager, original pioneers still lived in her town. Our church's history was still fresh and raw and, in some ways, exciting. Especially, I loved to delve into nuances of Danish converts, the story about a former polygamist's wife, and her first interactions with a Black person. She captures the joy, the yearning, the heartbreak and the innocence (and its loss) of childhood and young adulthood so well.
The subject isn't for anyone and might perhaps make some readers uncomfortable as she speaks openly about some things often considered too sacred to really talk about, but again, it's all through the eyes of a child and it never felt disrespectful to me. I also had to remind myself that she was also writing these memories in the 1960s - and that only recently have people realized that unless you're a Native American yourself, dressing up in feathers and pretending to be an "Indian" is inappropriate - in Virginia's childhood town, it was absolutely a piece of their communal storytelling.
I do love storytelling and the memoir-style narratives told from a woman's perspective are my favorite. I love to just imagine living in another time where so much was different and yet so very much the same. While this collection wasn't a super page turner, it was time well spent.
Virginia Soresnsen spent her childhood in small Mormon towns, as tight-knit as they were isolated during the years before and following World War I. These essays/short stories are based around memories from this time and place - and she admits that while they are not non-fiction, they are all based on real experiences.
They are lovely, truly taking me back to a world that doesn't exist anymore. Her style is sharp and inquisitive and each story is told through her childish eyes. We learn about things along with her, piece together adult conversations and see truth within a greater context. Having a Mormon Childhood of my own, there is a lot of culture and history that resonate so deeply within my own life - and yet when she was a young teenager, original pioneers still lived in her town. Our church's history was still fresh and raw and, in some ways, exciting. Especially, I loved to delve into nuances of Danish converts, the story about a former polygamist's wife, and her first interactions with a Black person. She captures the joy, the yearning, the heartbreak and the innocence (and its loss) of childhood and young adulthood so well.
The subject isn't for anyone and might perhaps make some readers uncomfortable as she speaks openly about some things often considered too sacred to really talk about, but again, it's all through the eyes of a child and it never felt disrespectful to me. I also had to remind myself that she was also writing these memories in the 1960s - and that only recently have people realized that unless you're a Native American yourself, dressing up in feathers and pretending to be an "Indian" is inappropriate - in Virginia's childhood town, it was absolutely a piece of their communal storytelling.
I do love storytelling and the memoir-style narratives told from a woman's perspective are my favorite. I love to just imagine living in another time where so much was different and yet so very much the same. While this collection wasn't a super page turner, it was time well spent.
August 16, 2025
This is a gem of a book and I wish is was more widely known. Sorensen shares experiences growing up in Manti, Utah in the early 1900s. Her snapshots of life are detailed, humorous, and entertaining but also shine an interesting light on Mormon culture and life at that time. It left a deep impression on me.
November 14, 2018
Oh, Virginia, Virginia, how I wish you were still alive to write more stories like these!
February 17, 2012
I received this book from the Lewistown Hardys as a Christmas gift--Thanks! I like short stories and I enjoyed Virginia Sorensen’s great storytelling abilities. Her descriptive images are vivid. The title is creative, applying to childhood and then tied to young, Utah settlements. The author says these accounts are fictional, even though based on a number of real people and events. It felt real to me, but you’re never sure which parts she’s making up and that can be disconcerting. I prefer nonfiction to historical fiction.
The Foreword was very interesting, giving background and analysis by several people, but perhaps trying too hard to justify some things. I liked the discussion about “personal essayist.”
I’m glad I read this book, because it made me think. However, I as read, I became somewhat critical and defensive. I felt Virginia Sorensen had an agenda and used a child’s voice to deliver the message. I believe her observations and generally negative opinions of the local religion, small-town members and the leaders did not reflect an age-of-innocence, non-judgmental child’s point-of-view. It would be hard for anyone at age 50 to write about childhood memories without the bias of the years of experience, knowledge, reflection, judgments and changes that come in between. The issues she raises are legitimate, but pretty universal in nature. Singling out one group to point a finger at, while portraying herself as more tolerant, loving and less judgmental started to feel distorted. (I do sympathize with wanting more flexibility and more value placed on independent thinking.)
Also, even though sad or negative events are a reality of life the delightful childhood adventures she relates so well suffered a little from a focus on negatives. “The Secret Summer” (my favorite) was an exception. (I admit it, I’m a Pollyanna.)
I think the book can be summed up in one sentence in the dedication to her childhood friend, Carol: ”It’s odd isn’t it, what different things we remember.” The differences come from point of view. I’d like to hear Carol’s stories. On the positive side, I’ll hold onto another thought from her dedication: “I see now what a paradise of space we had to live in.” (Manti in the 1920s)
A little book of 10 short stories comprising 210 pages, evoking such passionate emotion from a reader takes writing skill from an author and Virginia has it! The only story that bored me was “First Love”…too long and repetitive. Sorensen got her message across, whether I liked it or agreed with it or not. And yes! everyone could be and do better, especially when it comes to charity.
The Foreword was very interesting, giving background and analysis by several people, but perhaps trying too hard to justify some things. I liked the discussion about “personal essayist.”
I’m glad I read this book, because it made me think. However, I as read, I became somewhat critical and defensive. I felt Virginia Sorensen had an agenda and used a child’s voice to deliver the message. I believe her observations and generally negative opinions of the local religion, small-town members and the leaders did not reflect an age-of-innocence, non-judgmental child’s point-of-view. It would be hard for anyone at age 50 to write about childhood memories without the bias of the years of experience, knowledge, reflection, judgments and changes that come in between. The issues she raises are legitimate, but pretty universal in nature. Singling out one group to point a finger at, while portraying herself as more tolerant, loving and less judgmental started to feel distorted. (I do sympathize with wanting more flexibility and more value placed on independent thinking.)
Also, even though sad or negative events are a reality of life the delightful childhood adventures she relates so well suffered a little from a focus on negatives. “The Secret Summer” (my favorite) was an exception. (I admit it, I’m a Pollyanna.)
I think the book can be summed up in one sentence in the dedication to her childhood friend, Carol: ”It’s odd isn’t it, what different things we remember.” The differences come from point of view. I’d like to hear Carol’s stories. On the positive side, I’ll hold onto another thought from her dedication: “I see now what a paradise of space we had to live in.” (Manti in the 1920s)
A little book of 10 short stories comprising 210 pages, evoking such passionate emotion from a reader takes writing skill from an author and Virginia has it! The only story that bored me was “First Love”…too long and repetitive. Sorensen got her message across, whether I liked it or agreed with it or not. And yes! everyone could be and do better, especially when it comes to charity.
March 8, 2011
Another step in my Mormon Literature self-education.
John Bennion, a mentor professor of mine, told me Virginia Sorensen was perhaps our best writer, one of the best. The most elegant, anyway. And this book is elegant. In stories that read like narrative essays, Sorensen captures what it was like to grow up Mormon in Southern Utah. It's hard to write well from a child's perspective, to do so without getting silly or condescending, but she manages it beautifully. The stories are understated, subtle at times. She's talking about relatively small events that seem big when you're a child (getting a cat for your birthday; a carnival comes through town), but somehow by the end it feels like she has actually been talking about something much larger: this is what it felt like to understand for the first time that love is complicated; this is when I learned that my safe and happy life was incidental, that I could just easily be unsafe; this is when I discovered people don't fit into neat categories of "good" and "bad"; this is when I learned I wasn't beautiful in the traditional sense, etc. Oh, I love this book. I wish more people knew about it. I wish I had known about it. I wish I could read it again for the first time.
John Bennion, a mentor professor of mine, told me Virginia Sorensen was perhaps our best writer, one of the best. The most elegant, anyway. And this book is elegant. In stories that read like narrative essays, Sorensen captures what it was like to grow up Mormon in Southern Utah. It's hard to write well from a child's perspective, to do so without getting silly or condescending, but she manages it beautifully. The stories are understated, subtle at times. She's talking about relatively small events that seem big when you're a child (getting a cat for your birthday; a carnival comes through town), but somehow by the end it feels like she has actually been talking about something much larger: this is what it felt like to understand for the first time that love is complicated; this is when I learned that my safe and happy life was incidental, that I could just easily be unsafe; this is when I discovered people don't fit into neat categories of "good" and "bad"; this is when I learned I wasn't beautiful in the traditional sense, etc. Oh, I love this book. I wish more people knew about it. I wish I had known about it. I wish I could read it again for the first time.
June 4, 2024
That Virginia Sorensen is the forgotten literary star of Mormonism is one of the tragedies of our time.
March 30, 2011
Surprisingly good. It helps when a book starts with a murder by shovel over water shares, deemed by a jury to be self defense.
These "personal essays", as Eugene England characterized them, give us a child's view into small, Utah communities. I was expecting not to be interested in the perspective of a young girl, but Sorensen demonstrates her skill by engaging more that just other little girls. Sorensen's growing up years were rich and full of memorable experience. Cats, horses, boys, siblings and shovels resonate with readers.
Well written stories, which can be read or shared as a whole or by chapter. I enjoyed it.
These "personal essays", as Eugene England characterized them, give us a child's view into small, Utah communities. I was expecting not to be interested in the perspective of a young girl, but Sorensen demonstrates her skill by engaging more that just other little girls. Sorensen's growing up years were rich and full of memorable experience. Cats, horses, boys, siblings and shovels resonate with readers.
Well written stories, which can be read or shared as a whole or by chapter. I enjoyed it.
September 6, 2012
Excellent little compilation of stories. They are particularly meaningful if you are Mormon and from Utah, and if you've ever been to Manti. The stories are charming and youthful. Some surprisingly very poignant. Definitely worth a read. :)
March 16, 2010
The doctrine that she mentions as part of her stories is NOT accurate. I would not suggest this book.
June 22, 2013
Memories of a Mormon Childhood.
Working from a list of books I read years ago.
Working from a list of books I read years ago.
May 25, 2015
As with all short story collections, there is some unevenness, but overall an excellent volume. I would like to think more about the role creativity and memory play in this.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews