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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
Sometimes I worry I won't find someone who knows the intensity of loneliness.
There is no one like Marilynne Robinson for capturing the beauty, longing, solitude and grace of the human condition. Gilead is still my favorite but this second journey through Lila (listening this time) has endeared me to it quite a bit more. I’m looking forward to the publication of Jack this fall.
The third installment of the Gilead story progressed from Lila's perspective, which was a character that I wanted to learn more about. I appreciated how different this book was from the previous two in both tone and content, which allowed Lila to stand out more as a character in the series. I gave this book a four star rating because, at times, the storytelling felt convoluted but I felt that the overall messaging and plot were strong. Though Lila's story is muddled at times, it can be seen as consistent with her character's experiences, but did make it challenging to follow along at times.
Triggers that I noticed while reading: several references to murder and prostitution and some derogatory language
Triggers that I noticed while reading: several references to murder and prostitution and some derogatory language
A brimful fugue of a novel, one to be returned to. Perhaps the most poetic and beguiling of the Gilead series. A must read for those brought up in the Midwest.
Another incredible story from Marilynn Robinson! Her writing style is so melodious and unique; such a nice change from the everyday, straightforward style of writing. I realized that I accidentally skipped book #2 to read this one, but because these stories focus on the personal narrative of four characters living in the same town, at the same time, I don't think that starting next on book #2 won't cause too much confusion.
Don't ask me why I'm not giving this book five stars. Maybe there are places where the past and present don't weave themselves together as well as they could. Maybe not.
In all cases, this is another astounding meditation by Robinson. The orphaned Lila finds her way through the hazards of a migrant life and a staid Christian town with courage. Perhaps love, forgiveness, and marriage are the themes of this book. The uneducated Lila seems to understand all three concepts a little bit better than her well-read, "old man" husband.
I think this was my favorite passage. Lila considers what she brings to her marriage. It is a knife that was used to defend and to murder. Lila knows, "The knife was a potent thing. Other people had houses and towns and names and graveyards. They had church pews. All she had was that knife. And dread and loneliness and regret. That was her dowry. Other women brought quilts and china. Even a little money sometimes. She brought hard hands and a face she could barely bring herself to look at in the mirror because her life was just written all over it. And that knife."
In all cases, this is another astounding meditation by Robinson. The orphaned Lila finds her way through the hazards of a migrant life and a staid Christian town with courage. Perhaps love, forgiveness, and marriage are the themes of this book. The uneducated Lila seems to understand all three concepts a little bit better than her well-read, "old man" husband.
I think this was my favorite passage. Lila considers what she brings to her marriage. It is a knife that was used to defend and to murder. Lila knows, "The knife was a potent thing. Other people had houses and towns and names and graveyards. They had church pews. All she had was that knife. And dread and loneliness and regret. That was her dowry. Other women brought quilts and china. Even a little money sometimes. She brought hard hands and a face she could barely bring herself to look at in the mirror because her life was just written all over it. And that knife."
The rating may of had more to do with the reader of the audiobook or perhaps I didn't like it as much because I hadn't read the 2 previous book. Either way I felt the story and writing were only so-so.
Breathtakingly beautiful. I fell in love with John Ames more in this one than in Gilead. I just love Robinson!
Very slow. Wasn’t a huge fan of parts. The picture of Lila’s grounded faith is beautiful. Glad our daughter has this portrait of wonder and realism attached to her name to read someday.