Gilead

2004

In the small town of Gilead, Reverend John Ames is slowly reaching the end of his life. As he begins to approach his own mortality, he decides to write a letter to his seven-year-old son. But instead of writing about his own life, he chooses to tell the story of his father and grandfather, and the remarkable lineage of men of the cloth that precede him. These are men affected by poverty, war, and depression, and their stories have much to teach John's son about the enduring values of faith, community, and forgiveness. In "Gilead: A Novel", Marilynne Robinson weaves a moving and poignant tale of love, loss, faith, and redemption, that will leave readers with a deeper appreciation for the power of family and the beauty of life.