Avis sur le produitGilead (Oprah's Book Club) : A Novel by Marilynne Robinson (2006, Perfect)

Trip into an old Preacher's mind during the depression era, written by a modern-day female

This wonderful book seems to be a "diary of memories" of an aged dying father of a young son; who will never know the father because of his failing heart. However, in the book, the father seems to be coming to terms with his past and present, while being led astray by memories of his past. I think the attempt to communicate with the son after his death may not be what the father had in mind, but the author has control of the dying man, so control be hers.

You really need to read Lila, by Marilynn Robinson before you read Gilead. I am not sure, but I think Lila was written after Gilead, but no matter - Lila is the first book to read to understand this, pre-sequal.

The relationships in the father's life are varied as one would expect of a small town preacher in the Midwest. He's not hell, fire and brimstone. He is loving and compassionate. He struggles a bit with his conscience and in the end he's totally honest with himself and in his understanding of the Lord, God; which has been his acquaintance since birth, having a father and grandfather as small town preachers from Kansas and Iowa.

It's not a page turner, but all good books do not have to be "keep me awake until 3:00 a.m. every night until I finish it with hyperventilating breath." It's a down to earth book that will lead you inside the mind of an aged man facing death with no regrets in his life, except not being there for his son's future.

Gilead is thought-provoking, but not morose about the impending death of a wonderfully sweet man whose existence belies peace and love and study of the Bible and the scripture's lessons that can be applied to modern problems and solutions.

I really liked it and bought it after having read Lila in Sunday school, Bible study.

Marilynne Robinson's writing is superb! I've read so many, many books that I feel I could exaggerate the number into the millions, but I won't step on that limb. I've not read a previous authors' book that impressed me with the writing - as if this were a tapestry and it is woven simply, while yet complexly at the same time. You will have no trouble with the linguistics of this novel, however it will have your mind thinking....hmmm! All in a good way.Lire l'avis complet...

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Simplicity is only on the surface.

I bought this book for a spiritual book club and though that didn't work out as expected, this book was the blessing. Suggestion: Read slowly and leisurely. It will be like soothing waves on the beach or a back rub for the soul. It contains fist-fulls of insight in the simplest of sentences and though the subject matter could be considered maudlin, it's actually far more subjective than that. If you've lost a loved one and can imagine receiving a letter like this one, you will feel an immediate emotional response to John Amos, one of tenderness and care, wishing you could place a warm blanket around his shoulders. For me it wasn't sad. For me it was inspirational and enlightening to the extreme, hence exciting in a quiet and beautifully simple way. I think every parent should read this as inspiration for their own letter(s) to their children, those with hearts to care and time to prioritize the important stuff. My copy is a keeper, meaning it is underlined and referenced and oddly, many people I know are mentioned in its pages, as well as many experiences in life that I never thought to verbalize or write. Hat's off to MARRILYNNE ROBINSONLire l'avis complet...

Gilead

I bought the book Gilead after reading a review that promoted it. My interest was the subject matter in that I am a facilitator of books of a thological nature at my Methodist Church. While Gielead is fiction, the contents lend themselves to themes of living a Christian life. The book has also ispired me to write some of my own "stories" about incidents in my life that I wish my children and grandchildren to know.Lire l'avis complet...

A town not worth visiting, nevermind dying in.

Often left wondering, where this is going and will it be worth finding out? The story meanders and repeats, often confusing the reader.

The fictional story of a lamenting minister, reflective and regretful, who leaves a letter for his very young son. Although human and sometimes engaging, the plot is often all over the place, as a dying old man would be prone to doing.

While I am pleased to say that the plot did indeed go somewhere, not all readers will be satisfied in taking this journey. The pace is slow and only introverts would find solace in completing the trip.Lire l'avis complet...

Painful yet interesting

This book was painful to read. It was chosen for a bookclub book based on the author's previous book. I actually made it to the end about 3 hours prior to the bookclub meeting. An overview could be an old preacher ranting about dying, life, his trials and tribulations and his couldas, shouldas and wouldas. But the bookclub discuss really gave me more appreciation for the book. I would suggest it to those that enjoy "deep" books but not to the beach readers.Lire l'avis complet...

Literate and Civilized.

Wonderful, lyrical depiction of rural American life. I can understand why Barack Obama liked this book.

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interesting book but a bit slow at times

It can be slow. It is often like listening to your mother or Grandmother tell you about the old days.

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Great book.

Great book. Nice to read such a decent book.

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An exploration of death, forgiveness, and love.

Subtle. Deep. Important. Beautifully written.

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Soothing read for uncertain times

Beautifully written story with deeply spiritual exploration.

Achat vérifié :  Oui | État : occasion | Vendu par : explorersmarket