Gilead

By: Marilynne Robinson

Narrated by: Tim Jerome

Pulitzer Prize, Fiction, 2005

National Book Critics Circle Award, Fiction, 2005

From the author of Housekeeping, Gilead is the long-hoped-for second novel by one of America's finest writers.

Chosen by the New York Times Book Review as one of the top six novels of 2004.

In 1956, toward the end of Reverend John Ames' life, he begins a letter to his young son, a kind of last testament to his remarkable forebears.

©2005 Marilynne Robinson (P)2008 Hachette Digital

Critic reviews

"It is a book of such meditative calm, such spiritual intensity that is seems miraculous that her silence was only for 23 years; such measure of wisdom is the fruit of a lifetime." ( Neel Mukherjee, The Times)
"Writing of this quality, with an authority as unforced as the perfect pitch in music, is rare and carries with it a sense almost of danger - that at any moment, it might all go wrong. In Gilead, however, nothing goes wrong." ( Jane Shilling, Sunday Telegraph)
"The gently American, finely judged narration succeeds in combining contemplation with vigour and in conveying a suggestion of mysticism." ( The Observer)

Freeing

No words I can muster can describe the impact this book had on me, but I shall make an attempt:

I imagine any child anywhere would love to receive such a mesmerizingly beautiful and unsettlingly honest look into their father’s thoughts, because I don’t think any father could live long enough for their children to think of asking all the things revealed in this book. (That is, no earthly father)

It also is a very honest look at Christianity - at what we fail to acknowledge or say when we try to explain our faith.

I marvel at the world again after listening to it.

The irony of such honesty, that would be expected to bring shame, rather brings freedom. For the bearer of the load and for the listener.

It frees me from the weight of my own thoughts.

Beauty, wisdom and grace

A book of beautiful descriptions of everyday moments, of deep reflection, of grasping with one's own humanness and of grace.

I need to read this again.

Beautiful writing and narration

Silent contemplation of a father's love for his son, parallel of the Lord's love to me. Of hurt and grief living on this side of eternity and writing the intricate and complex feelings out speaks depth to me. Spells love on many levels too.

Dour Reading Failed to Resonate

What disappointed you about Gilead?

I was very interested in listening to this book, but the dour reading style of the narrator induced a profound depression in my soul. Maybe it's an accurate rendition of the character's voice, but I had to cut and run before the first chapter was out.