Gilead

by Marilynne Robinson
Gilead cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 596
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9780002005883
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Published: 2004-11-08
  • Formats: 25
  • Reviews: 4

Gilead is a deeply moving novel that explores the life of John Ames, a preacher in the small town of Gilead, Iowa. As he nears the end of his life, Ames writes a letter to his young son, revealing the stories of his ancestors, the rifts between them, and his own struggles with faith and forgiveness. The narrative is rich with personal reflections, historical insights, and the beauty of everyday life, all told in Ames' unique and captivating voice. /n/n The novel delves into the themes of redemption, legacy, and the enduring love between fathers and sons. Ames' relationship with his prodigal namesake, Jack Boughton, adds layers of complexity and emotional depth to the story. Gilead is a celebration of life's simple joys and profound sorrows, offering a poignant meditation on the human condition.

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

Whispering Gums · 2019-03-29
contemplative 4.00

The book is quiet but deals with the essence of daily relationships. It offers a contemplative and introspective narrative.

The reviewer at Whispering Gums appreciates Gilead for its quiet yet profound exploration of everyday relationships. The book's contemplative tone and introspective narrative make it a meaningful read, even if it lacks a fast-paced plot. It's a book that invites deep reflection on life's nuances.

Quick quotes

    It's quiet but it deals with the essence of what confronts each of us every day

    In our relationships with each other

    And that's why I liked this book

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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