Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Book Review: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson


Gilead tells the story of John Ames, preacher and decendent of 3 generations of preachers, as he is dying. He knows he is dying and has a young son who he feels the urgency to depart parental guidance to but knows he won't be around to do so.
The tension in the story derives from three sources: 1) John Ames's best friend's son, John Ames Boughton, 2) his reluctance to leave the world that he loves,. and 3) his father's and brother's lack of belief in God.
Lyrically written, beautifully designed and thought-out, Gilead is a book for a contemplative time. It is not a quick read, but it is well-worth the time and effort one puts into it.
Recommended for those who like some philophical prose in their fiction, for those who like to read religious fiction, and for those who like to read about familial relationships.

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