Gilead: A Novel

I think it was Sean who first put me on to this novel, but I'm sure others had mentioned it too. Anyway while on holiday I got myself a copy. It's a novel I would recommend for all preparing for, training for or in pastoral ministry. It's the story of Reverend John Ames at the end of his life writing a letter to his young son. Gilead is the name of the small town in which Ames lives. It's a slow read, but rich in its telling of John Ames' life and that of his father and grandfather. I'm so glad I read this novel as I embark on training for baptist ministry, I'm sure its a novel I will re-read over the next years. Apparently Stanley Hauerwas says its the first barthian novel.

Comments

[Catriona]

I'm literally just about to start reading this under my 'improving books' strand.

A few years back I read Susan Howatch's Starbridge Chronicles and her later St Benets trilogy. They are very Anglican (which they need to be!) and contain some quite thoughtful theology. A thought provoking 'sheepdog sermon' (which is real) on judgement in one of them, explorations of mysticism and a lot of ecclesiatical politics! That and flawed heroes. I found them a worthwhile (and easy) read.