Home: A Novel
by Marilynne Robinson
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Book Reviews of Home: A Novel
Book Review: A beautiful, contemplative book
Summary: 5 Stars
In Home, 38-year-old Glory Boughten returns to her childhood home to care for her dying father, a retired Presbyterian minister. Not long after Glory's arrival, her wayward brother Jack arrives after a twenty-year absence. By returning home, Glory and Jack are fleeing unhappy pasts and confronting inner turmoil. Robinson shows Glory and Jack reconnecting in slow, weighty dialog that emphasizes just how serious things are. The story is filled with religious discussions, regretful confessions, and also plenty of forgiveness. Movements are small, comments are oblique, and nothing much happens. Eventually, a secret is revealed about Jack, but, by that point in the story, we realize Home is not about what happens. Instead, it's about revealing the meaning of this life by understanding where we come from. This is a beautiful, contemplative book.Book Review: Worth It.
Summary: 4 Stars
I could relate to a certain extent with the reviewers who found the book thin and boring. But in the context of which the story was written, 1950's midwest, I found the tone and substance of the story quite fitting. So while I struggled to stay engaged, I kept moving forward with the expectation that my efforts would pay off. And they did. The ending was perfect. I re-read it and reflected on it for some time. I was particularly moved by Glory's acceptance of her fate as "preserver" of the home. For the sake of her family, particularly her brother Jack, she was finally willing to sacrifice her own life for the preservation of the past and of the nostalgic constancy which bound and defined their family. Something not so valued today, but, perhaps, should be. Sad, bittersweet, but so moving. Just what I had hoped for.Book Review: CSLA Rodda Award Nomination
Summary: 5 Stars
HOME has been nominated for the 2009 Rodda Award sponsored by the Church and Synagogue Library Association (CSLA), an international organization serving congregational libraries of all faiths. CSLA's Rodda Award is named for Dorothy Rodda Sargent, a lifetime member and one of the founders of the organization. This award recognizes a book which exhibits excellence in writing and has contributed significantly to congregational libraries through promotion of spiritual growth. The award is given to books for adults, young adults, and children on a three-year-rotational basis. The 2009 Rodda Award focuses on books for adult readers and this year's winner will be announced at the CSLA annual conference to be held at the McKinley Grand Hotel in Canton, Ohio, July 26-28. To learn more about CSLA and the Rodda Award go to [.... ]Book Review: Tedious
Summary: 2 Stars
Normally I enjoy literary novels and good writing. I don't require a lot of action, flashy settings, glamourous characters, or what have you.
I was disappointed to find Home simply tedious. Very little action, repetitive dialogue, nothing to enjoy in any of the characters, nothing even to look forward to for their futures (either for them or for us.)
If you enjoy reading about theological debates circa 1950, thinly veiled Bible-based racism, figurative hair-shirt-wearing, uncontrolled weeping, and crotchety but not feisty old men, by all means pick up Home.
I found it to be the literary equivalent of a big spoonful of cod liver oil: probably not without hidden healthful qualities, but requiring a good deal of determination to choke it down.
Book Review: Rated PG. Wonderful Read.
Summary: 5 Stars
Be aware that "Home" deals with some tough stuff - suicide, adultery, and more. But that's not the focus of the book and there's not one instance of foul language or a "sex scene".
I suppose the Boughtons could be considered a dysfunctional family. And I usually don't go near books about "dysfunctional" families. But I'd read "Gilead" and I trusted Robinson. I was rewarded by a deeply moving tale about a family that may not function perfectly (what family does?), but does love perfectly - a family that extends beyond any nuclear borders to include friends and community.
"Home" is not a page turner. Be prepared to put in some time and even then one reading probably isn't enough to plunge the depths of Robinson's lovely prose...