Gilead

Marilynne Robinson's new novel, Gilead, is a story of three generations of Congregationalist ministers from the Civil War to the twentieth century. The novel contrasts the spiritual insight of its main character with the human imperfection and worldly hardship that he witnesses. Although some may be put off by Robinson's writing style—she writes with great economy and in a voice that is both spare and elusive—others will find her prose poignant and transcendent.