Thursday 18 December 2008

Brief review of Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

Gilead is Marilynne Robinson's second novel and was published 20 years after her acclaimed debut, Housekeeping. It takes the form of a long letter written by an elderly American preacher to his young son. Gilead recounts the family's history over several generations and distils the knowledge that the old man has gleaned from his years of study and reflection. The subject matter may appear uninviting to some readers, but persistence will bring rich rewards. This is a book to read slowly. The wisdom of a lifetime is woven deeply into the fabric of its narrative. I found myself constantly re-reading passages as I revelled in the simple power of Robinson's prose. Her mastery over her craft is humbling.

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