The 2004 Pulitzer Prize winning novel A New York Times Top-Ten Book of 2004 Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction Nearly 25 years after Housekeeping, Marilynne Robinson returns with an intimate tale of three generations, from the Civil War to the 20th century: a story about fathers and sons and the spiritual battles that still rage at America's heart. In the words of Kirkus, it is a novel "as big as a nation, as quiet as thought, and moving as prayer. Matchless and towering." GILEAD tells the story of America and will break your heart.
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""I do try to write the way I think" (29). Gilead, though written simply, is truly an elegant and graceful piece of work. Language in the novel, is shown as important since our understanding of ourselves necessitates the use of it. The novel raises issues with regards to existence, revealing the human condition, prodding readers to contemplate on their own being. It examines spirituality by deliberating over aspects of Christianity, avoiding any form of moralistic judgement. "Judge not" is a phrase that occurs frequently in the text. It is a novel that will definitely set you thinking about your life and your world, what it means to you and how others matter in relation to you. A thought-provoking read for anyone in need of some introspection." — Tan (4 out of 5 stars)
""I do try to write the way I think" (29). Gilead, though written simply, is truly an elegant and graceful piece of work. Language in the novel, is shown as important since our understanding of ourselves necessitates the use of it. The novel raises issues with regards to existence, revealing the human condition, prodding readers to contemplate on their own being. It examines spirituality by deliberating over aspects of Christianity, avoiding any form of moralistic judgement. "Judge not" is a phrase that occurs frequently in the text. It is a novel that will definitely set you thinking about your life and your world, what it means to you and how others matter in relation to you. A thought-provoking read for anyone in need of some introspection."
“Robinson’s prose is lovely and wonderfully precise…Gilead is a gentle journey that will be even better the second time you read it.”
“There is a lot of pleasure to be had in the novel’s probing, thoughtful narrative voice.”
“Magnificent…A psalm worthy of study, a sermon of the loveliest profundity…[A] literary miracle.”
“Gilead is a beautiful work—demanding, grave, and lucid…Robinson’s words have a spiritual force that’s very rare in contemporary fiction.”
“An inspired work from a writer whose sensibility seems steeped in holy fire.”
“The long wait has been worth it…Robinson’s prose is beautiful, shimmering, and precise…Destined to become her second classic.”
“Robinson returns with a second novel that, however quiet in tone and however delicate of step, will do no less than tell the story of America—and break your heart…Robinson has composed, with its cascading perfections of symbols, a novel as big as a nation, as quiet as thought, and moving as prayer. Matchless and towering.”
“There are passages here of such profound, hard-won wisdom and spiritual insight that they make your own life seem richer…Gilead [is] a quiet, deep celebration of life that you must not miss.
The long wait has been worth it… Robinson's prose is beautiful, shimmering, and precise… destined to become her second classic.
There is a lot of pleasure to be had in the novel's probing, thoughtful narrative voice.
Gilead is a beautiful work… Robinson's words have a spiritual force that's very rare in contemporary fiction.
Lyrical and meditative… potently contemplative.
" One of the most beautifully written, real books I've ever read. So rich in language and honesty ... one that I'll read again. Close to perfection. "
" I found it to be a very thought-provoking book and not a book to be read quickly. Robinson's writing encourages the reader to think deeply and see her characters in different ways. Lovely writing, good description, strong characters, and I liked reading something set in a different locale from what I usually read. Definitely worthwhile. "
" It is real life, real family, real reading. "
" This book could be prescribed instead of sleeping pills. "
" I read this right after I finished Housekeeping, which I enjoyed more. Gilead's main character, John Ames, was less compelling for me, but I did enjoy the flow of his thoughts, the process of his gradual revelations. "
" Everyone read this book please... "
" Beautiful. Slow-moving, ponderous, heartbreaking. "
" Really superb in many ways. "
" well written but just didn't keep my interest. Gave up 1/2 way through.... I don't do that often. "
" I gave up...just didn't hold my interest "
" This is a thoughtful, meditative book. It's a reflection on dying, spirituality, and parenthood. "
" The writing is gorgeous and profound. This book will leave you thinking "
" Devastatingly good read off the Pulitzer list. One of my favorites. "
" This is one of my favorite books of all times. Beautifully crafted characters. Amazing use of the English language. Haunting scenes of love and redemption. "
" It was definitely a book to savor! There is much "food for thought" in this novel. I WILL reread this, too, and recommend it to my book club. "
" FICTIONAL MEMOIRS OF A CONGREGATIONALIST PASTOR PASSING DOWN WISDOM TO HIS YOUNG SON. "
" I really enjoyed this book. There're a lot of theological questions that John brings up that require some thought. It was nice that it combined intellectual thoughts on religion with a simple, little-town plot...akin to Jan Karon's Midford series, but better. "
" The book mimics the slow life and aging of the main character. "
" One of the best books I've read in a long time. This book has so much to say about faith and the power of understanding another's story. Don't borrow this one from the library--buy it. "
" slow. Not my style. Well written. "
" Beautifully written letter/journal from elderly preacher near the end of his life to his young son. I loved the wisdom and insight of the main character. Some of it dragged, but some of the writing was profound. Had to return to library, or I would have definitely re-read certain parts. "
" Really subtle and moving. Great at creating tone that lingers long after reading. "
" The most amazing language - this is a book you want to read aloud. "
" Toward the end of the book, there is a moment where a prodigal son is blessed. I found it to be the most compelling point of the story, even though it is a small part of the greater narrative. "
" I love this book very much. "
" Has been pretty slow going. Glad I'm listening to it rather than reading, or I'd never make it through. It takes some concentration, like listening to a grandparent tell a few long stories all woven together in possibly, but not likely, some kind of order. Will finish it eventually.... "
" slow moving, carefully built & reflective. small town iowa w depth & heart, profound but not preachy, ironically. "
" Masterpiece. My current favorite novel. Imaginative, moving, gifted story telling. "
" I loved Housekeeping so I picked up this book. The writing is fantastic but the fact that it is written as a letter makes it one-sided and emotionally bare at times. But I enjoyed reading it. "
" One of my favorite novels of all time, one of the few i reread over the years. deeply moving as a spiritual journey through life. "
" Hum...ok book. The first half was interesting, but began to drag in the second half. Very slowly unfolding story told in flashback in memior/letter-written form. Kind of got bored with it. "
" Didn't love this book, but every time I tried to quit reading it, I ended up picking it up again and reading just a few more pages... "
" A preacher?s letter to his son "
" It is smooth, poignant, filled with love and forgiveness and ironic in its imperfect humanity. And, I have no criticism to make which in itself is a rather immense compliment. "
Marilynne Robinson is a recipient of the 2017 Chicago Tribune Literary Award for lifetime achievement. She has received the 2016 Library of Congress Prize of American Fiction and a 2012 National Humanities Medal, awarded by President Barack Obama for “her grace and intelligence in writing.” She is the author of Gilead, winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Critics Circle Award; Home, winner of the Orange Prize and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize; and Lila, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her first novel, Housekeeping, won the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award. Her nonfiction books include The Givenness of Things, When I Was a Child I Read Books, Absence of Mind, The Death of Adam, and Mother Country, which was nominated for a National Book Award. She teaches at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
Tim Jerome’s Broadway performances include Beauty and the Beast, Man of LaMancha, Cats, Me and My Girl, Lost in Yonkers, The Magic Show, and Grand Hotel. His film credits include Deconstructing Harry, Husbands and Wives, I.Q., and Billy Bathgate. He has also appeared on television in All My Children, Lou Grant, Laverne and Shirley, and Barney Miller.
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