Well -- it was a wonderful read -- but it didn't move me as much as Gilead. The characters are vividly portrayed - and since I'm a sucker for great characters this book was definitely worth the time it took to read. But the story of Lila seemed to drag. Robinson appears to have written this book to explore more deeply the themes of abandonment, shame, faith, and loyalty. But really this book spoke to me of grit and perseverance.
Of course it is beautifully written -- Robinson's use of imagery and symbolism is her gift. I so enjoyed reading the first 3/4 of this novel. But I found myself rushing through the ending simply because it didn't seem as if there was anymore of value to be read.
This is the story of Lila. We met her in Gilead as the wife of the elderly preacher, John Ames. And in Lila, we are given an opportunity to dive deeper into their relationship and a chance to understand their unlikely love for each other. It is a sweet, tender love story -- and that in itself is worth reading the book.
But mostly this novel explores how Lila comes to terms with her status as an orphan and the multiple times she experiences abandonment in her lifetime. Her sense of shame at times overwhelms her -- and keeps her from connecting with others. Until she meets "the old man." Through that relationship and the kindness she observes among the folks in her new home in Gilead, she grows to understand the importance of relationships.
It is remarkable to me how Robinson portrays the grit it takes to survive in a harsh world. Lila was born before the dustbowl, and as an orphan was "stolen" by a woman named Doll who believed she could give her the care she needed to survive. Even with the devotion she felt from Doll, Lila grew up understanding the world is harsh, and she just needed to do what it took to survive. As a young girl, she and Doll took refuge among a group of migrant farm workers during the Dust Bowl. That experience taught her to take pleasure in hard work -- especially working with the soil -- bringing forth new life in gardening. As a young woman, she spent time as a housekeeper in a boarding house, and even spent time working as "one of the girls" in a house of prostitution.
She remains reflective through all of her experiences until she finally learns the importance of community. Regardless of that realization, it takes a very, very long time for her to learn to trust others in any sense.
In Gilead, Reverend Ames writes his story to his and Lila's young son. Through his story we learn of his devotion to Christ and his belief in goodness in the world. In Lila we learn that she felt she was always waiting for this child. At times she doesn't believe she will ever have a child -- though she continues to wait, and prepare.
I love Robinson's writing style. This story loops back and forth through time, almost like a stream of consciousness. But through that the reader gets a stronger sense of Lila. Rather than feeling we are reading a narrated story, we are actually traveling along with her on her journey and are privy to her ongoing thoughts.
This novel is a treat -- but I don't think it's one I'm going to list among my top ten all time favorites.
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