Gilead

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Gilead
Marilynne Robinson
2004

The Summary
Originally begun with the intention of providing his son with a glimpse into their family history, Reverend John Ames quickly turns his letter into a memoir, in which he recalls memories from his childhood, experiences from his clerical life, and both the tragedies and triumphs he has faced.  More importantly, in his writing, he seeks to reconcile himself with his growing age and failing health.

The Good
Despite his designation as a member of the clergy, Ames is still flawed.  In his candid entries, he reveals he has instances of jealousy and distrust, moments of frustration with his congregation, fits of passion (especially around young Jack Boughton), and unmistakable encounters with his own doubts, much to his chagrin.

John Ames is not a perfect man - but he is a good man, and that's exactly what makes him so intriguing and Gilead so compelling to read.

Truly good men sometimes seem to come few and far between in literature.  As a man who has enjoyed his life, simple as it may be, Ames makes an interesting study into the life of an "average Joe" and clergyman.   His faith, his candor, his goodness, and his willingness to admit his own faults make him truly unique character in a world where the sin often makes the story.

The Bad
Marilynne Robinson made some unique stylistic decisions in writing her novel.  For one thing, she provides no chapters whatsoever in Gilead.  Aside from the occasional division between paragraphs and individual ideas, Robinson essentially leaves Ames to his own devices.  While this provides the novel with the illusion of being a legitimate journal, it can also leave you searching for a break between the pages.

More importantly, Robinson's lack of chapters does not necessarily diminish the quality and complexity of her novel.  But it can sometimes leave you frustrated and mentally winded by the lack of any discernible stopping points.

The Ugly
Ames, in writing this prolonged letter to his son, often times reveals the conditions of real life.  While the realism of Ames's character is not a terrible thing, sorrow and regret and guilt frequently permeate the novel.  So Gilead is not a spectacularly optimistic work, especially given that Ames anticipates his own death at any time from page one.

But, in that respect, Robinson's novel is quite beautiful in spite of its darker undertones - and Ames becomes more easily treasured for his temporary qualities and ephemeral nature.