Gilead

Marilynne Robinson’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel Gilead is set in 1956 Iowa but also touches on earlier events in the life of the narrator and his family. The novel is Reverend John Ames’ letter to his young son, as he realizes he is reaching the end of his life. We are introduced to Ames’ grandfather, a minister who came to Kansas to fight for abolition and became a Union Army chaplain during the civil war. Ames’ father was a pacifist and the relationship between Ames’ father and grandfather was strained yet respectful. The theme of father and son is woven throughout the novel and is further illuminated when Ames’ namesake and wayward son of his best friend returns to the town of Gilead.

The voice of the novel echoes Ames’ personality. He is an intelligent yet humble man, a theological searcher who rejoices in the beauty of the world around him. Unlike his dynamic and controversial grandfather, Ames accepts the world for what it is and seeks the good in it. When describing the hardships of the depression in Gilead, Ames says “since it had to happen, I don’t regret having been here for it. It gives you another look at things.” Ames’ father left Gilead and encouraged his son to leave as well, to seek a “larger life,” but Ames, although he sees Gilead for what it is, loves the town, the prairie, and the people.

Although the pace of this book is sometimes slow, the excellent writing brings the characters to life and allows us to enter into the life of Ames and others. Ames’ digressions on life, loneliness, forgiveness, grace, and other topics provide much food for thought.

This would make an excellent choice for a church or other book discussion group. Discussion questions may be found at the Reading Group Guide website and the Iowa Center for the Book website.