The Long Loneliness stands as the quintessential work encapsulating Dorothy Day's literary and philosophical evolution. While her early writings in the Socialist Party’s Call, the Communist Party’s The Masses, The Liberator, and the liberal Catholic Commonweal have faded into obscurity, they laid the groundwork for her distinctive voice. These earlier contributions, including her somewhat overlooked fictionalized autobiography, The Eleventh Virgin (1924), and her work From Union Square to Rome, all prefigure the complex persona that surfaces in The Long Loneliness, a testament to her matured and unified identity.

In Loaves and Fishes, published in 1963, Day extends the narrative from her pivotal work, offering a historical and autobiographical account of the Catholic Worker movement. This book, while capable of standing on its own, gains depth when paired with The Long Loneliness, creating a richer tapestry of her life's work and philosophy. Critics praised Loaves and Fishes, yet it ultimately serves as a complementary piece to Day's more celebrated autobiography.

Day’s skill as a biographer is further evidenced in her 1960 work, Therese, a biography of Therese de Lisieux. Here, Day showcases her ability to bring historical figures to life from written sources just as vividly as she does through her personal narratives. The book breathes life into Therese and her family, affirming Day's literary prowess. Like her autobiographical works, Therese highlights Day's exceptional talent in understanding and portraying distinct personalities, rendering them as unforgettable individuals.

The preface of Therese reveals Day's intention to empower Catholics who may see themselves as insignificant, instilling a sense of worth through Therese's story. Much like Therese, Day lived a life marked by modest yet profound influence, advocating for the impact of small acts of charity on the larger world. Her narrative echoes the underlying theme that seemingly minor deeds can collectively hold immense significance in the spiritual realm. This message resonates deeply, suggesting that no gesture of kindness is too small in the divine perspective.