And I am so glad I did! Both reflective and inspiring, but with a good story line (yes, it does have a story, even without the dialogue!) it wasn't preachy like I suspected. Ironically enough, it is the fictional autobiography of a preacher in Gilead, Iowa, nearing the end of his life. As he writes to the son who will not remember him, he discovers that even in old age there is much to learn. It is so beautifully written! Marilynne Robinson's writing style kept reminding me of C.S. Lewis in his more serious books (i.e. Mere Christianity, etc.). No swearing that I can recall, and nothing inappropriate or risqué.
It was one of those books that made me contemplate how I treat others and what I judge them by. It seemed to go right along with our prophet's words from the General Relief society meeting last weekend:
"Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life, spoke this profound truth: 'If you judge people, you have no time to love them.' . . . I ask: can we love one another, as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other? And I answer—with Mother Teresa: no, we cannot. . . .I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others."
I hope you find time to read and enjoy this one! And Pres. Monson's talk too, if you have the chance!
Sounds like a cool book. I read this and I am just wondering when you are going to write a book. I think the best writers are heavy readers. You are just so eloquent- I want to read your novel! May I reserve a first copy!
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