Gilead

This is a novel I will read again...several times...into my old age. Written in the first person, Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson, is from John Ames’ perspective, a seventy-six-year-old, third-generation preacher who is writing a memoir of sorts for his six-year-old son. Yes, that’s seventy years difference (he married a younger woman in his old age). This is not necessarily a Christian book, but it does address some theological points from various perspectives and in somewhat philosophical ways (don’t worry, nothing heavy). It is mostly, however, a book about what it means to be human—to forgive, to love, to fight, to seek inner peace, and, not the least, to grow old gracefully. I have it in my head that I might imitate the structure and point of view of Gilead to write the third novel in my Jamaican historical fiction series. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a serene, thoughtful read. I also recommend the audiobook. Tim Jerome, the vocal narrator, has the most soothing voice. I imagined him to be the seventy-six-year-old John Ames, a kindly grandfather type reading to me. I’ve used the audio several times to relax in order to fall asleep at night.