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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
It's very difficult to discuss this novel outside the context of her previous two novels centered around Gilead. I suppose with our without it's a wonderfully written book and gives us even more insight into the main characters of this small Iowa Town.
There is no way to describe this book except stunningly beautiful. So much to think about. The language is so rich that it requires a little patience but it was worth it.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Took me a while to finish this book, but that's okay because it's not the kind of book you read quickly anyway. It's definitely a soak-it-all-in novel: the setting, the characters, the writing. Beautiful work of literature.
Slow at times. But good characters and lovely passages.
After a very hard life, Lila is homeless when she steps into a small town church for shelter from the rain, and begins a relationship with the elderly minister. It's a novel about the inner life of a woman trying to make sense of her experiences and what she learns about God. It is a tender love story that explores deep themes of loneliness, existence, privilege, kindness, loss, love, and hope.
I enjoyed this book a lot more after finishing it and letting it settle than I enjoyed the actual act of reading it. I'm curious to read the Gilead series now, but not entirely sure it is for me. This was a really slow boil, but I found it to be a beautiful book after it was all over. Especially the idea of examining one's different paths in life and the people who shape one's identity along the way.