Writers often like to play with language in many different ways, and one of the most interesting challenges is creating long sentences.
Some authors do that just to break the records, some are purely weird, and some authors, well they like to glue their stream of consciousness on paper as soon as possible.
William Faulkner for example, is famous for his lengthy prose. In Absalom, Absalom!, he crafted a 1,288-word sentence that earned a place in the 1983 Guinness Book of World Records.
Another author who used lengthy sentences is the famous James Joyce.
His Ulysses features a famous monologue that spans 36 pages and contains 3,687 words, demonstrating that writers can masterfully engage readers even with extended sentences, but also showcases part of the weirdness of the author.
But who wrote the longest sentence ever?
Let’s explore…
Longest Sentence Ever?
Books have produced some impressively long sentences that test the limits of writing (and reading).
Those sentences can be amusing and complicated but at the end of the day, it took a great amount of time to write them and thus authors deserve big recognition.
And so, without further ado, here are the two books that hold the record for the longest sentence in the world.
Ducks, Newburyport by Lucy Ellmann
“Ducks, Newburyport” is an interesting novel and masterpiece by Lucy Ellmann. The entire book mainly consists of one continuous sentence that extends over 1,000 pages.
The sentence is (wait for it)….
…….
……
…..
….
…
..
426,100 words long!!
Now, that’s really amazing.
This single sentence describes both mundane details and profound reflections, allowing an amusing journey through the protagonist’s experiences.
However, as you can imagine, it is a rather challenging to read.
Here is a short excerpt from the book:
“But the fact is, the fact that, even though I know that there are good reasons why people feel the way they do about these things, well, it just doesn’t make it easier to deal with, the fact that things just go wrong sometimes, and you can’t control them, the fact that, well, that things just don’t work out the way you thought they would…”
Interesting fact: The book won the Goldsmiths Prize in 2019 for its innovative style.
This Book Is the Longest Sentence Ever Written and Then Published (2020), by Dave Cowen
Dave Cowen’s “This Book Is the Longest Sentence Ever Written and Then Published” is a humorous take on long sentences.
True to its title, this work features one astonishing sentence that stretches to an incredible 111,111 words.
Cowen uses this lengthy sentence as a playful experiment in writing.
The book is filled with quirky observations and comedic scenarios, making the long format enjoyable rather than tedious.
By blending humor with a unique writing style, Cowen certainly pushes the boundaries of conventional sentence structure.
Interesting fact: In April 2019, Dave Cowen was determined to prove he wasn't a failed writer, despite having his humor published in The New Yorker, which had stopped buying his work. He embarked on a mission to write something successful, regardless of others' opinions. This journey led him to attempt writing the longest sentence ever published in the English language, a strange and transformative odyssey. The resulting stream-of-consciousness narrative includes references to James Joyce, Numerology, Copyright Law, Jeff Bezos, Instagram, The Enneagram, Kanye West, and even sections written by an AI.
So, there’s that—two record holders for the longest sentence ever written.
Even though those books aren’t very famous and most people have never heard of them, they are truly remarkable and worthy of admiration.
However, let’s explore more works with long sentences.
Literary Works with Notably Long Sentences
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, one of the most notable examples is found in Ulysses by James Joyce.
This novel features a famous monologue by Molly Bloom that spans 36 pages and includes around 3,687 words. Joyce used this long sentence to capture the character’s stream of consciousness, creating a deep and immersive reading experience.
Another record-holder is Jonathan Coe’s The Rotter’s Club, which contains a stunning 33-page sentence totaling 13,955 words.
Coe’s approach challenges traditional narrative styles by allowing thoughts and actions to flow without interruption, reflecting the complexity of life.
Authors Who Embrace Lengthy Sentences
Several more authors are also known for their love of long sentences. Virginia Woolf, for instance, often used long, flowing sentences in her works like To the Lighthouse.
Her writing invites readers to explore the complexities of her characters’ emotions.
Another author who employed lengthy sentence structures is Marcel Proust. In In Search of Lost Time, Proust’s sentences are known for their intricate details, sometimes stretching to several pages.
So why do authors write lengthy sentences, and how do they do it?
Let’s see.
The Mechanics Behind Long Sentences
Long sentences often rely on very specific techniques that shape their flow and readability. Key elements include punctuation choices, sentence structure, and the use of syntax.
Punctuation and Structure
Punctuation plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of long sentences. It guides the reader through complex ideas and adds rhythm to the writing.
For example, commas, semicolons, and dashes can break up thoughts and clarify connections.
A well-structured long sentence often features clauses that build upon one another. This can create a sense of movement and depth.
Writers can also use lists within sentences to convey multiple ideas related to a single theme.
The Role of Syntax and Style
Syntax refers to how words are arranged to form sentences. In long sentences, varied syntax enhances the texture of the writing.
Authors can juxtapose short and long phrases to create contrast, adding interest to the text.
Style also plays a significant role in how readers perceive long sentences. Some authors use stream-of-consciousness techniques to mimic natural thought patterns.
Additionally, literary styles differ. Some writers prefer a lyrical style, while others might aim for dense, academic prose.
Conclusion
So, at the end let’s summarize these works of art:
| Rank | Book Title | Author | Approximate Number of Words | Description |
| 1 | “Ducks, Newburyport” | Lucy Ellmann | 426,100 words (one continuous sentence) | A stream-of-consciousness narrative that spans over 1,000 pages, exploring the thoughts and experiences of an Ohioan housewife. |
| 2 | “This Book Is the Longest Sentence Ever Written and Then Published” | Dave Cowen | 111,000 words (entire book) | An experimental work consisting of a single, very long sentence that covers a wide range of topics. |
| 3 | “The Rotters’ Club” | Jonathan Coe | 13,955 words (one sentence) | Features one of the longest sentences in English literature, reflecting a character’s stream-of-consciousness. |
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