Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (2004, Hardcover)

In creativity, originality, diction, composition, and poignancy, this work is among the best I've ever read. Robinson's writing is spare and polished, and suits her story well. Her vocabulary is unusually broad.

The messages conveyed by the story are varied and thought-provoking, and will challenge most readers in one way or another. Having read three of her works including this one, I would say the outlook she presents is predominantly melancholy, even pessimistic. Her characters are not always sad, but when they are it is usually over truly gut-wrenching circumstances, and when they are happy it is often from such meager blessings that the reader is saddened.

As a fundamentalist, I do not share some of Robinson's perspectives regarding spiritual things, but she is thoughtful and reverent. I would say she makes the case in both her fiction and non-fiction for what she considers a high view of God and of divine revelation that is independent of the literal truth of Scripture, a commitment to a mystic Truth that is only faintly reflected by specific doctrines. In my opinion, this perspective fits the tone of her writing, in that it rather sadly clings to a God who cannot really be known, attempting to take quiet joy in truths too vague and uncertain to be really celebrated.

Still, for depth of thought and power of expression, I think Gilead must be considered a classic, worth reading especially for readers who who enjoy serious fiction and who themselves aspire to write well.

I bought Gilead since it was our book club's next novel to review. I am glad to have discussed it in book club because the experience of reading this novel was enriched by the opinions of the other members. It starts slow and goes back in time without enough preparation in some instances so it made it a little difficult to keep track of in which era the storyline was occurring. Since it already said that the "writer" was dying, it didn't leave enough mystery, at first, to hold my interest. It did begin to flow more and develop like the complex storyline I prefer and I ultimately was glad I had read it.

In the character of an elderly ailing preacher, the narrator tell the story of his life and the Christian principles by which he lives. All the wonderful reviews and recommendations (by others) aside - for me, there was no revelation, no real surprises even though I went all the way to the end. The only persons I would recommend the book to is those of the Christian faith that want more preaching. Want good writing and a GREAT STORY - read anything by Anita Shreve.

I enjoyed Gilead by Marilynne Robinson a great deal. I read it after her caompanion volume and later book Home. I believe that Home was a more enjoyable read as a story but Gilead was a more complex view of the character of the narrator. I think that anyone who reads either will find Ms Robinson to be an exceptional writer.