Gilead

by Marilynne Robinson
Gilead cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 596
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9780002005883
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Published: 2004-11-08
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Gilead is a deeply moving and introspective novel that captures the essence of small-town America in the 1950s. Reverend John Ames, nearing the end of his life, writes a letter to his young son, recounting the stories of his ancestors, the rifts between them, and the profound love that binds them together. The narrative is rich with historical context, exploring themes of faith, forgiveness, and the complexities of family relationships. /n/n The novel's beauty lies in its simple yet profound storytelling, as Ames finds meaning and grace in the everyday moments of life. His reflections on his prodigal friend's son, Jack Boughton, add layers of emotional depth and moral inquiry, making Gilead a timeless exploration of human connection and redemption.

Reviews
DeeDi Reads · 2025-07-25
mixed 3.50

The novel is beautifully written but feels slow in the middle. It offers a unique perspective through the eyes of a dying minister.

The reviewer at DeeDi Reads appreciated the beautiful writing in this novel, which tells the story through the eyes of a dying minister. However, they found the middle section to be somewhat slow-paced. Despite this, the unique perspective and the minister's reflections on life and faith made the book a compelling read. The reviewer acknowledged the novel's strengths in character development and its profound exploration of life's deeper questions.

Quick quotes

    I found it a tad slow in the middle

    Very beautifully written

    A unique perspective through the eyes of a dying minister

Judith McKinnon · Judith McKinnon · 2024-07-07
beautiful 5.00

This book is a modern classic and a five-star read, offering a beautiful love letter from a father to his son. It contemplates life in a wonderful and award-winning manner.

Judith McKinnon considers this novel a modern classic, deserving of its numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize. She views it as a heartfelt love letter from a father to his son, filled with profound contemplations on life. The reviewer found the book to be beautifully written and deeply moving, making it a standout read. The novel's ability to capture the essence of life and family resonated strongly with her, making it a five-star recommendation.

Quick quotes

    A beautiful book, which won a number of awards, including a Pulitzer Prize

    A modern classic and a five-star read

    A wonderful contemplation on life itself

The Guardian · Alison Smith · 2005-04-15
profound 4.00

The book captures the essence of America's damaged heart with a slow-burning narrative. The narrator's reflections are both vibrant and timeworn, creating a profound reading experience.

This reviewer found the book to be a poignant exploration of America's emotional landscape. The narrative, though slow-paced, is rich with deep reflections and a crepuscular tone that lingers with the reader. The character's repetitive thoughts add layers to the story, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read. They appreciated the way the book balances vibrant and timeworn elements to create a unique and impactful experience.

Quick quotes

    A book about the damaged heart of America

    A slow burn of a read with its crepuscular narrator

    Its repetitions add layers to the story

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