Lila, by Marilynne Robinson, is the strangest and one of the best pieces of fiction I have read. Mind you, I do not read much fiction, and I commonly read half of a classic novel and then stop. (I think this disorder is listed in the DSM manual). But Lila is a kind of emotional suspense novel--but never histrionic. At one point I literally turned the page quickly to find what would come next. The work bewildered me not a few times, given its shifts in time and perspective. I did not always know when something had happened. However, the threads weave together as the book goes on. The narrative is of a woman kidnapped (or rescued) by a pathetic and courageous woman who lives on the margins of society. She takes Lila as her own. Skipping much (to not ruin the story), Lila wonders into a town, Gilead, where she meets and marries an old widower preacher. The novel profound perspective on life, death, risk, evil, hope, fear, and the development and shape of Christian faith--much of it coming from Lilas thoughts. There is nothing cliche or preachy about it. Robinson has already won a Pulitzer Prize for Gilead, and is a highly respected writer. On top of all this, Calvin is referred to several times, and the story can be seen as a reflection on Gods strange providence. This is not a light or easy read. It may take you places where you do not want to go. But no matter, take up and read.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 02:41:40 +0000
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