GILEAD: It could be a state of mind or of soul

Gilead is the name of a city, but from the luminous homonymous novel written by Marilynne Robinson it might be as well a state of mind or of soul. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, “Gilead” is one of those rare novels that requires more than focus on it when one set one’s heart into reading it. It asks you to simply abstract from the real world and dive beneath its surface into a world apart.

The fact that Robinson has a prose that is close to perfection is a huge help in order to enter into the world she has created in this book. It is also a good advice no to expect a fast read. To read “Gilead” the reader must adjust his/her speed to the narrative’s. In other words, one must let the words guide you in this journey and not the other way round. People who don’t realize it will probably be frustrated and not understand the story that is particularly beautiful.

The narrative is a long letter from an old father (almost biblically so) to his young son. It isn’t said, by anyone can realize this man will not see his son to grow up, and be with him to tell his (the father’s) story, therefore, the letter is best way he found to letter his boy know, in due time, how his life was.

This man is John Ames, a preacher, and religion, God, love and fear become the central themes of his letter. What is most fascinating in this narrative is the writer ability to part from one man’s journey and move to universal themes. The way she deals with complex subjects become more and more timely and able to communicate to any person – no matter how old or where he/she lives.

“Gilead” is not a book for the masses. It requires patience and dedication. Those fortunate who let themselves be kidnapped by its beauty and relevance will never regret. One may not agree with Robinson’s ideas, but it is impossible not to give credit for such important book she has written.

Originalmente publicado em www.Amazon.com em 21/02/2006