readelnotdancel's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
orlagaughran's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
juliaem's review against another edition
4.0
If I think too hard about the fact that this is the first work of fiction I've finished since January, I'll get really sad. Grad school, BAH.
So instead I'll sing Marilynne Robinson's praises. I read "Gilead" in 2007, and some of the same characters from the town of Gilead reappear here, in this retelling of the story of the prodigal son. Robinson has a real knack for writing about faith without being either cheesy or preachy, and gives a simultaneously delicate yet incisive voice to family dynamics--present, past, and our memories of both, even as the present unfolds and the past is dredged up. She is one of those novelists who I will always want to read what she has thought fit to write.
So instead I'll sing Marilynne Robinson's praises. I read "Gilead" in 2007, and some of the same characters from the town of Gilead reappear here, in this retelling of the story of the prodigal son. Robinson has a real knack for writing about faith without being either cheesy or preachy, and gives a simultaneously delicate yet incisive voice to family dynamics--present, past, and our memories of both, even as the present unfolds and the past is dredged up. She is one of those novelists who I will always want to read what she has thought fit to write.
ellenbarker's review
4.0
This is a quiet read. Take your time, pay attention, don't race for the end. Savor the prose and don't try to figure it out.
sarah_soli's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jamiethekeener's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
reading_at_the_zoo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hillersg7's review
5.0
Oh my - this book is so much. So much sadness, so much longing. Even though there is no 'happy ever after' ending, I think there is still a glimmering strand of hope in this story of loss, of family, of love, of the mysterious place of home. (or maybe that's my own longing for this beautiful book!)
booccmaster's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dkrueger34's review
3.0
This is a slow, deliberate book, in line, I suppose, with the small town in which it takes place. Her characters and story line are so well developed. She doesn't throw information at you, but lets it build with comments and actions. It took a while to figure out. I kept waiting for something to "happen". I don't know if I would read her other books. I prefer a book with more movement.