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Gilead

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Gilead

By: Marilynne Robinson
Narrated by: Tim Jerome
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About this listen

Pulitzer Prize, Fiction, 2005

National Book Critics Circle Award, Fiction, 2005

From the author of Housekeeping, Gilead is the long-hoped-for second novel by one of America's finest writers.

Chosen by the New York Times Book Review as one of the top six novels of 2004.

In 1956, toward the end of Reverend John Ames' life, he begins a letter to his young son, a kind of last testament to his remarkable forebears.

©2005 Marilynne Robinson (P)2008 Hachette Digital Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

"It is a book of such meditative calm, such spiritual intensity that is seems miraculous that her silence was only for 23 years; such measure of wisdom is the fruit of a lifetime." ( Neel Mukherjee, The Times)
"Writing of this quality, with an authority as unforced as the perfect pitch in music, is rare and carries with it a sense almost of danger - that at any moment, it might all go wrong. In Gilead, however, nothing goes wrong." ( Jane Shilling, Sunday Telegraph)
"The gently American, finely judged narration succeeds in combining contemplation with vigour and in conveying a suggestion of mysticism." ( The Observer)
All stars
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Deeply contemplative and philosophical, this story is a letter written by the elderly Reverend Ames to his young son. I thought the narration was excellent too.

Well worth all the accolades

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One of the few books I haven't seen through. I found the narration so hard going that I returned it.

I couldn't get along with the narration

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I loved the narrators voice .I believe this story to be a tour de force .The telling of a life in a letter from a father to his son ,is as revealing as one might need in unravelling the mystery of life !

Masterpiece

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That Marilynne Robinson created this story and Tim Jerome brought him to life so effectively and that I had to remind myself that this was a 'made-up' story, gives Gilead its strength. It is masterly. Not much happens and the main character has a constrained world view - but I feel better for having listened to him. No bells and whistles, just a preacher, preaching to his son and his flock.

This is a story not a biography!

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I couldn't avoid falling in love with it all from beginning to end; the preacher, his wife, the prodigal son, his father and grandfather, his friend, the town, the theological/philosophical pondering and the divine grace that makes life worthwhile and may appeal to (or even excite) even the most materialistic atheists amongst us.

Thank you, Marilynne Robinson and Tim Jerome; this audiobook is making the world a better place.

What a jewel

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Loved the first book 'Lila' - this one has little character interest and an overload of religious pondering.

Disappointing sequel

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I’m not sure why I got this book, being agnostic, probably not the best choice, and it did drone on in places, but overall it was an ok listen, made so much more palatable by the excellent narration

Ok story, obviously a little preachy

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9/10 (Protestant heresy). O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee

The beauty of the slice of life and character portrayal

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. Although I am not at all religious, I do have a spiritual side and from time to time I ponder my values, what my purpose in life is and whether I'm being the best person I can be. In this beautiful story, that is exactly what John Ames also did, and I very much enjoyed reflecting on his ideas and observations - strengths, foibles and all. Everything about this book was serene and uplifting. It was a treat to listen to.

Have you listened to any of Tim Jerome’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Tim Jerome is a first-class narrator. The more audiobooks I listen to, the more I have come to appreciate the incredible talent of professional narrators like Jerome. The tone, timing, rhythm and pace and character understanding are all spot on. I will definitely be looking out for more of his work.

Beautiful story, excellent narration

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I'm not a religious person, but by the end of this book I felt so comforted and content with the world: its griefs and its beauties. Because it's such a long audiobook I took to walking to work in the mornings merely so I could listen to it before the day began: the narrator's voice feels like an old friend to me now. I cant understand how such a moving and wise book has been made, but I love it and will listen to it again when I'm old.

Stunning

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