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smuds2's review
4.0
I'm not sure I have read anything quite like this, in a variety of ways.
First, on a form level. I hate epistolary novels. I think they are cool in theory but man oh man am I not a fan of them in execution. Always comes off a bit hackey in my opinion, usually with the addition of a narrative plot point that the epistolary element interacts with (thinking something like "I have 10 days to save the world!! here are my diary entries!! with each day counting down!"). To state the obvious -- this book does NONE of that. This is, in my opinion, EXACTLY what the epistolary format excels at. It pulls away from the concept of a narrative, and allows us to exist wholly within the characters mind, always in a state of reflecting on events, never conveying them. It is immersive in the sense that I truly believe I could be reading someones diary entries. The internal voice is so consistent, and so expansive, that I really believe I am touching just a bit of the inner life of that person. It's a great use of the format.
Then there is the "narrative". It's there, but it (being JAB's life) really takes a back seat to the "mission" of the diary entries -- to teach JA son about life. When people talk about "vibes" based books vs plot based books -- they SHOULD be talking about this. It's incredibly "vibes" based where you are just following this character discover themselves and reveal themselves to others. The narrative, in the sparse sections that we see it, are incredibly moving and compelling, probably because we have spent so much time as JA, that we feel emotionally the gut punch of the narrative drop that doesn't even really happen until page 200.
The philosophy of the character of the book is very beautiful as well. I can not adequately summarize it, but if I had to try, it would be something like "embrace the quiet contemplation and appreciation of life, because no matter how small you dial your focus, you could spent a life time appreciating it. A single drop of water could take a lifetime to appreciate, let alone the voice or smile of a loved one".
There is, of course, the inter-personal relationships described in the book, for example, father vs grandfather. But TBH, I think context of reader knowledge does far more to push the impact of those story lines than anything Marilynne does (and, just to say, I don't think that's a failing of her as an author -- I think it's intentional). Realistically, I think she includes GF story to say "and this is what a life of appreciation and contemplation leads to. It's troubled, complex, and difficult. There are thorny issues (i.e. helping others when you could help your own), but at a grand scale, wouldn't it be better if we were all like this?"
The one 'gripe' if you can call it that, is that I would have appreciated a bit more lyrical, romantic writing. I could look past it, as much as needed, which was not much, by saying "well this is letters to his kid" -- but a scholarly priest musing about the most beautiful aspects of life feels like it should be more beautiful to read. There is beauty in the simplicity, but I would have appreciated more diversity in style. That's just me, though.
Overall, very impressed.
First, on a form level. I hate epistolary novels. I think they are cool in theory but man oh man am I not a fan of them in execution. Always comes off a bit hackey in my opinion, usually with the addition of a narrative plot point that the epistolary element interacts with (thinking something like "I have 10 days to save the world!! here are my diary entries!! with each day counting down!"). To state the obvious -- this book does NONE of that. This is, in my opinion, EXACTLY what the epistolary format excels at. It pulls away from the concept of a narrative, and allows us to exist wholly within the characters mind, always in a state of reflecting on events, never conveying them. It is immersive in the sense that I truly believe I could be reading someones diary entries. The internal voice is so consistent, and so expansive, that I really believe I am touching just a bit of the inner life of that person. It's a great use of the format.
Then there is the "narrative". It's there, but it (being JAB's life) really takes a back seat to the "mission" of the diary entries -- to teach JA son about life. When people talk about "vibes" based books vs plot based books -- they SHOULD be talking about this. It's incredibly "vibes" based where you are just following this character discover themselves and reveal themselves to others. The narrative, in the sparse sections that we see it, are incredibly moving and compelling, probably because we have spent so much time as JA, that we feel emotionally the gut punch of the narrative drop that doesn't even really happen until page 200.
The philosophy of the character of the book is very beautiful as well. I can not adequately summarize it, but if I had to try, it would be something like "embrace the quiet contemplation and appreciation of life, because no matter how small you dial your focus, you could spent a life time appreciating it. A single drop of water could take a lifetime to appreciate, let alone the voice or smile of a loved one".
There is, of course, the inter-personal relationships described in the book, for example, father vs grandfather. But TBH, I think context of reader knowledge does far more to push the impact of those story lines than anything Marilynne does (and, just to say, I don't think that's a failing of her as an author -- I think it's intentional). Realistically, I think she includes GF story to say "and this is what a life of appreciation and contemplation leads to. It's troubled, complex, and difficult. There are thorny issues (i.e. helping others when you could help your own), but at a grand scale, wouldn't it be better if we were all like this?"
The one 'gripe' if you can call it that, is that I would have appreciated a bit more lyrical, romantic writing. I could look past it, as much as needed, which was not much, by saying "well this is letters to his kid" -- but a scholarly priest musing about the most beautiful aspects of life feels like it should be more beautiful to read. There is beauty in the simplicity, but I would have appreciated more diversity in style. That's just me, though.
Overall, very impressed.
leggup's review
3.0
Not bad, just not as highly engaging after about 40% in. Based on the premise, I was hoping the book would deal with mortality or issues of the soul. A lot of the writing rambled on, I believe intentionally to show the thought processes of the protagonist.
shanhautman's review against another edition
3.0
Some sweet passages and reflections at the end of life. I couldn’t relate to the Christian perspective and themes, but I recognize their role in that time period and location in the country. It felt a bit quaint. The narrative style didn’t keep me engaged, but the technique worked so well for what the author was going for.
lindsayaunderwood's review
3.0
So this book was different for me because there isn't a plot or story so to speak. It was hard for me to get into at first. I never found myself thinking that I wanted to read it, but whenever I picked it up I couldn't stop. The writing is beautiful. The main character is fantastic. The writing style makes you stop and think about the words and the message. I tend to blow though books, but I enjoyed taking this one in.
seymone's review against another edition
3.0
As though I was eavesdropping on the last words of a father to his son. I enjoyed the vulnerability and openness the father expressed in his letters to his son.
ericfheiman's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Considering the subject matter—Christianity, crises of faith, a small Iowa town in the 1950s—that Gilead kept my interest at all is its own (secular) miracle. The book is certainly a very slow burn, if it barely sizzles at all. But it gets under your skin by the end, if in a very understated way. Not sure I want to continue with rest of Robinson’s Gilead-related books, but we’ll see…
khornstein1's review
4.0
Confession: I won this in a book group Yankee swap and it sat on my shelf for a couple of years.
The good: Calvinism! This is still a "thing" in modern-day America--the idea that some are pre-destined for salvation while others are not, so you best behave just in case! I find this idea wacky but there are some out there who do not, who actively preach it, and I loved the fact that characters in the book chewed over this antiquated point of view. I also loved the descriptions of small-town America, the poetic descriptions of baptism and water, and the pacifist sentiments.
The bad: I felt like it kind of fell apart at the end. I was waiting for some major plot twist/revelation and when it came I was like: that's it? that's all? Endings are hard but Robinson's an excellent writer. I felt she could have come up with something better.
The good: Calvinism! This is still a "thing" in modern-day America--the idea that some are pre-destined for salvation while others are not, so you best behave just in case! I find this idea wacky but there are some out there who do not, who actively preach it, and I loved the fact that characters in the book chewed over this antiquated point of view. I also loved the descriptions of small-town America, the poetic descriptions of baptism and water, and the pacifist sentiments.
The bad: I felt like it kind of fell apart at the end. I was waiting for some major plot twist/revelation and when it came I was like: that's it? that's all? Endings are hard but Robinson's an excellent writer. I felt she could have come up with something better.
suegat's review
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75