Gilead
Robinson, MarilynneIn 1956, towards the end of Reverend John Ames's life, he begins a letter to his young son about the tension between his father - an ardent pacifist - and his grandfather. Ames is the son of an Iowan preacher and the grandson of a minister who went to Kansas to fight for abolition. Reverend Ames tells a story of the bonds between fathers and sons. At the same time, his tender and strained relationship with his namesake, John Ames Boughton - his best friend's wayward son - is severely tested. Winner of the 2005 Pulitzer and National Book Circle Critics' Fiction Prizes.
Comments from Groups
Nearly everyone in the group thought that this was an outstandingly well written book. Everyone agreed that it was 'slow to read', and not a book that could be read in very short bursts. Napier 011 All of us found this book a great read after some hesitation 'getting into it'. Probably the best discussion ever. Feilding 002 A beautiful book. Needs to be read meditatively following the twists and turns of an old man's memories. Very interesting glimpses into small town history of the mid-west, slavery and civil war. Christchurch 203 Only four of us managed to finish the book, but the rest found the pace just too slow. The ones that finished said the ending was interesting. We all enjoyed the descriptive passages and the historical background. Masterton 008 Most members thought the book was tedious, although it did promote an interesting discussion. Rai Valley 001 No-one at the meeting read more than a third of it, and no-one liked it at all. We don't often have a unanimous opinion. Springfield 001
Pages
282
282
Year
2004
2004
Reviews
08-11-2022
A couple thought this one of the best books, stylistically especially, they'd ever read. Others struggled with the "preachiness", while appreciating a character was being built. Great discussion!
08-11-2022
'Gilead' promoted great discussion. Three of the group of eleven did not finish the book. All admired the writing, but did not enjoy the book. Only one member felt it was calm and comforting, and a 'timeless' work.
08-11-2022
Many found this a hard book to finish, and we wondered where it was going. Beautifully written.
08-11-2022
The group enjoyed the book and it provided us with a very interesting conversation. There is a great deal in the book to discuss.
08-11-2022
A "love"/"hate" book for the group. Those who enjoyed it rated it highly - others didn't finish it. Great characters portrayed in the first person by an empathetic protagonist.
08-11-2022
Mixed reviews on this one. In fact some loved it, and others forced their way to the end. No real consensus!
08-11-2022
Such brilliant profound writing!
08-11-2022
Those who finished the book loved it, but half our group didn't finish it or "love" it. All found it a difficult read, but enjoyed/loved the characters portrayed.
08-11-2022
Although written well with an original approach some readers struggled with it, while others really enjoyed the read - commenting on the clever anecdotes the author included.
08-11-2022
We found it a challenging read - not a book you could rush. Some sentences needed re reading to gain the full meaning! Beautifully written, loved the main character, didn't mind the initial seeming lack of plot. Had a great discussion about theology, Calvinism, forgiveness - some of our group are religious and some not. Recommended - would like to read her other novels...
08-11-2022
Today we discussed the novel 'Gilead', and found it most surprising, in that it is in fictional form, a long letter written by an elderly father for his young son, for the purpose of passing on the father's hard earned philosophy of life, and life experience, for the son to read as an adult, when his father has long since died. This is an unusual structure on which to base a novel, and the fact that the author is a youngish woman, constitutes a great part of the surprise element! The whole book is eminently believable...recommended.
08-11-2022
Tough going but insightful.
08-11-2022
Overall most of the group didn't enjoy this one - only two completed the book. The rest of us found it difficult to get into.