I just finished reading Gilead: A Novel by Marilynne Robinson. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Seventy-six year-old John Ames feels the end of his life approaching and decides to write a letter that will contain all that he will not be able to share in person with his young son. That, at least, is the plan. What follows is a narrative of the old man’s days and recollections of his father and grandfather, both preachers like him. Looking back on his life and pondering what lies ahead, Rev. Ames reflects on forgiveness, existence, and Grace.

These human preoccupations are certainly not novel; here, however, the narration evokes a tranquil contemplation. Christian themes abound; after all, this is written from the point of view of a pastor. For my second reading (and this is a novel that deserves that), I will delve deeper into the theological allusions which are reflected in the real lives of the characters. There is ample material here for more than one literary essay…

You can read some reviews of this book on metacritic.com.