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The First Thing and the Last
In the middle of a horrific night, Katherine Stuart barely escapes being murdered by her abusive husband in the kitchen of their suburban Boston home. In the aftermath of utter loss and devastation, Katherine is sought out by Lucy Dudley, an elderly woman living on a family farm in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, who reads about Katherine in the news and is drawn to her by a closely guarded history of her own. Katherine, unable to bear the accusing eyes of her family, accepts Lucy's invitation to come to Vermont, setting in motion a deepening relationship between the two women that frames a universal struggle to heal and reclaim what severe trauma takes from people's lives.
"This beautiful, brave, and liberating book is a triumph of the spirit. Engrossing and exquisitely written, it shines with rare courage and a tender, life-saving wisdom that comes only through facing the darkness we suffer or inflict on others. It is a marvelous story whose characters I am glad to have in my life."
Joanna Macy, Author, World as Lover, World as Self
"Read this book. Savor it. Allow it to work on your spirit and body and mind as only a well-told tale of high morality and beauty can. Share this book with those you love and those you don't. Suggest it to everyone and share it widely. This is the kind of book that culture depends on, and by culture I mean a shared sense of responsibility, and I mean shared community, civilization in the truest sense of the word. To truly be human and to truly be civilized, our public life is in desperate need of more works of art like this one. Share this book and, in whatever way possible, encourage the publication of more like it."
Charles Dickey, Leftunder Books
" The First Thing and the Last is a must-read for anyone working to end domestic and sexual violence and for those interested in educating themselves about the issue. Allan Johnson has deftly woven the issues of intimate-partner violence, trauma, and healing into a compelling novel that challenges the reader to question their own beliefs and assumptions about family violence. The First Thing and the Last firmly establishes Johnson as ally in the fight to end violence against women." Erika Tindill, Esq., Executive Director of the Connecticut Coaliation against Domestic Violence
"This beautiful, brave, and liberating book is a triumph of the spirit. Engrossing and exquisitely written, it shines with rare courage and a tender, life-saving wisdom that comes only through facing the darkness we suffer or inflict on others. It is a marvelous story whose characters I am glad to have in my life."
Joanna Macy, Author, World as Lover, World as Self
"Read this book. Savor it. Allow it to work on your spirit and body and mind as only a well-told tale of high morality and beauty can. Share this book with those you love and those you don't. Suggest it to everyone and share it widely. This is the kind of book that culture depends on, and by culture I mean a shared sense of responsibility, and I mean shared community, civilization in the truest sense of the word. To truly be human and to truly be civilized, our public life is in desperate need of more works of art like this one. Share this book and, in whatever way possible, encourage the publication of more like it."
Charles Dickey, Leftunder Books
" The First Thing and the Last is a must-read for anyone working to end domestic and sexual violence and for those interested in educating themselves about the issue. Allan Johnson has deftly woven the issues of intimate-partner violence, trauma, and healing into a compelling novel that challenges the reader to question their own beliefs and assumptions about family violence. The First Thing and the Last firmly establishes Johnson as ally in the fight to end violence against women." Erika Tindill, Esq., Executive Director of the Connecticut Coaliation against Domestic Violence
- GenresFiction
408 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
4 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Allan G. Johnson
19 books64 followersAllan G. Johnson is a novelist, nonfiction writer, sociologist, teacher, and public speaker who has spent much of his life trying to understand the human condition, especially as shaped by issues of gender, race, and social class. His nonfiction books have been translated into several languages, and his first novel, The First Thing and the Last, was recognized in 2010 by Publishers Weekly as a notable debut work of fiction and named a “Great Read” by O Magazine. His memoir, Not from Here, was published in 2015.
He was born in Washington, DC, in 1946 and at the age of six went with his family to live for two years in Oslo, Norway, where his father worked in the U.S. embassy. Returning from Norway, his family settled in Massachusetts where he did the rest of his growing up. He wrote his first (very) short story when he was ten years old. He wrote poetry and short fiction all through high school, winning awards for both in his senior year, and continued writing on into college.
He earned a PhD in Sociology at the University of Michigan in 1968 and taught for eight years at Wesleyan University. During this time—when the radical feminist women's movement was at its height—he became involved in the rape crisis movement and began his exploration of patriarchy and systems of privilege.
Striking out on his own after not receiving tenure, he spent a year writing short stories before the necessity to earn a living took him back to nonfiction writing and part-time college teaching.
By the late 1990s he was writing and speaking widely about issues of privilege and oppression, and he had finally returned to his roots as a fiction writer with the start of his first novel, The First Thing and the Last, a story of healing and redemption in the aftermath of domestic violence. His second novel, Nothing Left to Lose, the story of a family in crisis during the Vietnam War, was published in 2011.
He lives with his life partner, Nora L. Jamieson, in the hills of northwestern Connecticut.
He was born in Washington, DC, in 1946 and at the age of six went with his family to live for two years in Oslo, Norway, where his father worked in the U.S. embassy. Returning from Norway, his family settled in Massachusetts where he did the rest of his growing up. He wrote his first (very) short story when he was ten years old. He wrote poetry and short fiction all through high school, winning awards for both in his senior year, and continued writing on into college.
He earned a PhD in Sociology at the University of Michigan in 1968 and taught for eight years at Wesleyan University. During this time—when the radical feminist women's movement was at its height—he became involved in the rape crisis movement and began his exploration of patriarchy and systems of privilege.
Striking out on his own after not receiving tenure, he spent a year writing short stories before the necessity to earn a living took him back to nonfiction writing and part-time college teaching.
By the late 1990s he was writing and speaking widely about issues of privilege and oppression, and he had finally returned to his roots as a fiction writer with the start of his first novel, The First Thing and the Last, a story of healing and redemption in the aftermath of domestic violence. His second novel, Nothing Left to Lose, the story of a family in crisis during the Vietnam War, was published in 2011.
He lives with his life partner, Nora L. Jamieson, in the hills of northwestern Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 26, 2010
This debut novel by Allan G. Johnson (sociologist and author of Privilege, Power, and Difference and The Gender Knot) is a wonderful study of violent abuse and its effects on an individual's mind, body, and spirit.
Johnson captures our attention and quickly immerses us in the horrors of Katherine Stuart's abusive marriage. In the first section of the book, we are shown the insidious nature of spousal abuse through a narrative of Katherine's courtship with and marriage to David Weston. This history is threaded alongside the terrible climax of their marriage, which ends in utter tragedy on the evening of Katherine's birthday. From this wrenching beginning, the book turns through uncomfortable pages as Katherine dully exists in the aftermath of the epic violence of her marriage, until finally she is visited by Lucy Dudley, an elderly woman drawn to Katherine by the experience of a similar tragedy. Together, and ultimately joined by Lucy's friends and family, the two women navigate a deepening relationship of mutual redemption.
Johnson, in his afterword, simply entitled "Thanks", writes that this novel was "rejected more than fifty times by commercial publishers... [o:]ver a period of seven years." And this underscores a point I have to make about the publishing industry: while they assemble mass-market garbage and force it into the public consciousness with marketing campaigns and a certain monopoly on our attention, they reject manuscripts, such as The First Thing and the Last, that not only contain artistry, craft, and literary merit, but possess that rarest of qualities: bringing important social issues to the public's attention through the telling of a compelling story. And more than that, The First Thing and the Last is a tale of redemption, of the human spirit's courage and resiliency in the face of horrific abuse and terror, and ultimately illustrates the process of forgiving the seemingly unforgivable.
Shame on all of the publishers who, as Johnson relates, "openly acknowledged their unwillingness to publish a novel that tells the truth about domestic violence, no matter how compelling the story or how well it is told." And shame on the corrupted spirit of capitalism that cultivates a civilization dependent on an economics of pandering and an unwillingness to discuss the uncomfortable realities of our shared lives.
Read this book. Savor it. Allow it to work on your spirit and body and mind as only a well-told tale of high morality and beauty can. Share this book with those you love and those you don't; suggest it to everyone and share it widely. This is the kind of book that culture depends on, and by culture I mean a shared sense of responsibility, and I mean shared community: civilization in the truest sense of the word. To truly be human and to truly be civilized, our public life is in desperate need of more works of art like this one. Share this book and, in whatever way possible, encourage the publication of more like it.
Johnson captures our attention and quickly immerses us in the horrors of Katherine Stuart's abusive marriage. In the first section of the book, we are shown the insidious nature of spousal abuse through a narrative of Katherine's courtship with and marriage to David Weston. This history is threaded alongside the terrible climax of their marriage, which ends in utter tragedy on the evening of Katherine's birthday. From this wrenching beginning, the book turns through uncomfortable pages as Katherine dully exists in the aftermath of the epic violence of her marriage, until finally she is visited by Lucy Dudley, an elderly woman drawn to Katherine by the experience of a similar tragedy. Together, and ultimately joined by Lucy's friends and family, the two women navigate a deepening relationship of mutual redemption.
Johnson, in his afterword, simply entitled "Thanks", writes that this novel was "rejected more than fifty times by commercial publishers... [o:]ver a period of seven years." And this underscores a point I have to make about the publishing industry: while they assemble mass-market garbage and force it into the public consciousness with marketing campaigns and a certain monopoly on our attention, they reject manuscripts, such as The First Thing and the Last, that not only contain artistry, craft, and literary merit, but possess that rarest of qualities: bringing important social issues to the public's attention through the telling of a compelling story. And more than that, The First Thing and the Last is a tale of redemption, of the human spirit's courage and resiliency in the face of horrific abuse and terror, and ultimately illustrates the process of forgiving the seemingly unforgivable.
Shame on all of the publishers who, as Johnson relates, "openly acknowledged their unwillingness to publish a novel that tells the truth about domestic violence, no matter how compelling the story or how well it is told." And shame on the corrupted spirit of capitalism that cultivates a civilization dependent on an economics of pandering and an unwillingness to discuss the uncomfortable realities of our shared lives.
Read this book. Savor it. Allow it to work on your spirit and body and mind as only a well-told tale of high morality and beauty can. Share this book with those you love and those you don't; suggest it to everyone and share it widely. This is the kind of book that culture depends on, and by culture I mean a shared sense of responsibility, and I mean shared community: civilization in the truest sense of the word. To truly be human and to truly be civilized, our public life is in desperate need of more works of art like this one. Share this book and, in whatever way possible, encourage the publication of more like it.
November 19, 2019
Within the first 40 pages I realized this was a book completely unique to anything I had read before and I wonder if I will ever read again. This book was very moving, real and it pulled me in.
The writing is well done. There is a bit of an error in the copy of the book I have. The second part has chapter 6 labeled as 2, which caught me a little off guard, but nothing about the story was disrupted. When I began reading, I recall thinking I would have liked it if there was a table of contents. The writing itself I found impressive, having a good mix, without being weighed down. Every time I read I felt myself being drawn into the story, pulled into the writing. I felt engaged in the story, more so than anything I've read in a long time.
The story is not one I want to say much about. It's an experience. I think everyone should read it. It's a heavy story and might be a lot to handle, but I think it's worth it. I had little idea of what it was like for someone to suffer through what Katherine does in the book and how someone would cope and recover from it. This book has definitely brought some light to what survivors go through.
I read Johnson's Gender Knot, which was a book I found enlightening as well. I had little bits and pieces of understanding prior to reading it and it was the same with The First Thing and the Last. In The First Thing and the Last I see some of Johnson's knowledge of patriarchy and what he wrote in Gender Knot come through. I think these books are good to read together.
The writing is well done. There is a bit of an error in the copy of the book I have. The second part has chapter 6 labeled as 2, which caught me a little off guard, but nothing about the story was disrupted. When I began reading, I recall thinking I would have liked it if there was a table of contents. The writing itself I found impressive, having a good mix, without being weighed down. Every time I read I felt myself being drawn into the story, pulled into the writing. I felt engaged in the story, more so than anything I've read in a long time.
The story is not one I want to say much about. It's an experience. I think everyone should read it. It's a heavy story and might be a lot to handle, but I think it's worth it. I had little idea of what it was like for someone to suffer through what Katherine does in the book and how someone would cope and recover from it. This book has definitely brought some light to what survivors go through.
I read Johnson's Gender Knot, which was a book I found enlightening as well. I had little bits and pieces of understanding prior to reading it and it was the same with The First Thing and the Last. In The First Thing and the Last I see some of Johnson's knowledge of patriarchy and what he wrote in Gender Knot come through. I think these books are good to read together.
January 19, 2011
I happened to be listening to NPR one day when they were interviewing the author (Allan G. Johnson). The interview was very interesting and I thought I would check out the book. Several weeks later I found
the book on amazon.com and purchased it. When the book came I had just finished a Sinatra biography and thought it would be good to read a fiction book next. Little did I know that, although this book is fiction, it could easily have been non-fiction in the tale it tells. Without giving too much away, this book is as raw and emotional a read as I have come across in my lifetime. Especially if you know someone who has lived through a traumatic event as the main character does in the book. I often found myself putting the book down to give my emotions a break, but then picking it right back up as I was unable to stem my curiosity as to what would happen next. This is a very, very good story as told by someone who has had experience with people who have suffered from trauma. I cannot recommend this book highly enough-JM
the book on amazon.com and purchased it. When the book came I had just finished a Sinatra biography and thought it would be good to read a fiction book next. Little did I know that, although this book is fiction, it could easily have been non-fiction in the tale it tells. Without giving too much away, this book is as raw and emotional a read as I have come across in my lifetime. Especially if you know someone who has lived through a traumatic event as the main character does in the book. I often found myself putting the book down to give my emotions a break, but then picking it right back up as I was unable to stem my curiosity as to what would happen next. This is a very, very good story as told by someone who has had experience with people who have suffered from trauma. I cannot recommend this book highly enough-JM
March 27, 2012
In the process of reading books, I have experienced every emotion possible, but no book has brought out a few of my emotions as this one did. Hate, anger, compassion all were present. But, most of all, the inability to understand how one person can inflict their rage on another. I don't want to hear that these people are sick. They may be, but it isn't an excuse. This is a powerful story about abuse. Since I have never been in this position, it is difficult to even imagine the physical pain that is involved. However, it is not difficult to understand what mentally happens to that person. If you read this book, be prepared. It isn't pretty.
May 4, 2017
This is a raw, heartbreaking account of Katherine, a young mother who loses everything in her life due to domestic violence and is unable to function afterward. This is primarily a story of her struggle to forgive, to be forgiven, and find a way to live again. With the help of an elderly stranger, Lucy, who understands the PTSD, Katherine slowly moves into this new phase of her life in the idyllic Vermont setting of Lucy's farm. The process is very slow as she suffers nightmares, hallucinations, and more. Though beautifully written (much description of rural Vermont and the lovely farm), this story moves very slowly and has some holes (her relationship with her parents never feels resolved; her former relationships, her former job are barely mentioned, her physical injuries don't require any follow-up doctor visits?) I agree with a previous review that this reads as a 'how to help those who suffer domestic violence' instruction book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2019
This book is stunning. absolutely beautiful writing. The first couple of chapters are tough because it's about a terribly battered woman. But the rest of it is just beautiful as it tells about her healing.
October 31, 2019
This book was a compelling and painful read with impressive character development, particularly of the two women. I had not remembered till I finished that the author is male and am amazed at how tenderly and knowingly he crafted the awe-full content and subject.
June 22, 2017
This was a beautiful yet, at times, a challenging read because of the spousal violence.
April 18, 2022
4.5 *
Heart wrenching, every woman should read because not every woman believes it could happen
Heart wrenching, every woman should read because not every woman believes it could happen
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
3.75/5 stars.
very interesting, thought-provoking novel. read for Sociology of the Family class. end was kind of weird and unfinished though, that's why I'm rating it less.
very interesting, thought-provoking novel. read for Sociology of the Family class. end was kind of weird and unfinished though, that's why I'm rating it less.
July 15, 2012
The best book I've read recently -- actually the best novel I have read in a very long time, and I read lots of good novels.
The first few chapters are rather horrific to get through. I couldn't get further than the first few pages when I started it several months ago, partially because of particular clients I was working with at that time. I forgot I had it and bought another copy and this time could barely put it down. Everyone over 18 should read this book! Maybe even at an earlier age. If you have to read it a couple of pages at a time to get into it, it is well worth the effort. Life is not a bowl of cherries. Let me know what you think.
The first few chapters are rather horrific to get through. I couldn't get further than the first few pages when I started it several months ago, partially because of particular clients I was working with at that time. I forgot I had it and bought another copy and this time could barely put it down. Everyone over 18 should read this book! Maybe even at an earlier age. If you have to read it a couple of pages at a time to get into it, it is well worth the effort. Life is not a bowl of cherries. Let me know what you think.
December 23, 2014
Just published, by Plain View Press, a debut novel written by a friend of mine. The story of a woman's healing, through a relationship with an older woman who understands, after devastating domestic violence. Lyrical language, true characters, compelling story. The novel is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Off the Beaten Path.......Check out the author's website to find out more about his work.
August 5, 2011
This was a rather tedious and reportorial book about severe domestic violence and the process of healing from the trauma. I loved the Vermont setting and the author's description of the changing seasons. There were a few interesting plot twists. Otherwise, the book read like a case study for domestic violence advocacy training.
May 17, 2011
This was a heart-wrenching, beautifully written book. You think you have problems, and when you read how this woman lost everything near and dear to her (with the exception of her parents), you just cannot imagine the pain she is in. I recommend this book, but get ready to cry.
June 16, 2010
I could never have imagined how a novel about the horror of domestic violence could be so moving but this story wrapped itself around my heart and amid the many tears endeared itself to me through its characters and what it taught me.
Want to read
July 16, 2010i just heard allan johnson on npr & am really intrigued by this... it's a novel about one woman's path to healing after being abused by her husband. it's being called a very realistic portrayal of survivor's experiences and apparently he had a very difficult time publishing it because of that.
January 25, 2016
I love the writing style and the story. The beginning was difficult to get through as a good book on domestic violence should be. He captures the pain and loss of self so well. It makes you realize how this situation could happen to any one.
May 4, 2010
Hard, hard book to read - but it has important things to say - and says them beautifully. Still, I'll be glad to move on to something lighter now!!
December 26, 2016
Another book that was very difficult to read, due to its subject matter - it took me a long time to finish this book, but I did like it - just don't know if I could recommend it to anybody!
May 10, 2012
I received this book through the Goodreads giveaways. What an amazing book this was. I highly recommend it!
February 3, 2013
Excellent
May 18, 2014
Absolutely incredible! Best book I've read in a very long time. To be honest I've never read anything like this and it breaks my heart to know this is actually how so many women live
wow wow wow
wow wow wow
August 25, 2014
I will read this over and over. a wonderful piece of writing.
December 17, 2014
Brutal, raw depiction of domestic violence and its aftermath, but beautifully written. This one will stay with me for a long time.
August 10, 2016
Gut-wrenching to start. Beautifully written. Fantastic. Loved it!!
December 26, 2013
A very emotional read but excellent!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews