Housekeeping~Marilynne Robinson

40 pages into Gilead. This is the most any writer's prose style has improved between their first and second novels, ever

Glad you're enjoying it---I've read the four follow-ups as well, with Jack's 2020 publication encouraging my greed for just one more, despite the author's age and how far she's taken the cycle---I won't say who I'd like to be the central character of the next one, since you haven't heard about (x) yet---despite my being not even an atheist, no more than a dog or a cabbage is, I got hooked on Gilead, and MR's great subject as an Xtian novelist and artist period, has to do with many the toils and snares of faith, Religion, the human mind (re xpost Glory overthinking etc) as part of life---she's next to Graham Greene in that, maybe more consistent, less (or not at all?) the tricky yarnspinner with it.

Also coping with the weird American historical thickets that you gradually become aware of being in, greater and lesser awareness and pressure of that at different times.

(relatable)

But still need to read Housekeeping (kind of remember the movie, at least that Margot Kidder seemed good in it)

Sorry! Actually *three* follow-ups, not four: Home, Lila, and Jack.

Well, I picked up Home at the same time as Gilead, so that'll follow. Housekeeping annoyed me (see upthread) but in a way that made me interested to read more of the author, and this one is as I'd hoped a full embrace of formerly evident strengths with none of the weaknesses even detectable. Could change - I've only just begun it - but I suspect it won't

Jack's the weakest, most strained of the bunch.

If you haven't watched Bill Forsythe's adaptation of Housekeeping, waste not ime.

I didn't know about Jack (the book)!

One thing I got from Gilead, as an atheist, was the value and efficacy of prayer. Not as a means to divine intervention, obviously, but as a way of meditating on a problem.

Yeah, and she (Rev. John's creator) gives him opportunities for that---I really enjoyed Jack shuffling, turning around in St. Louis, Memphis, Chicago, and Gilead's still on the map.

was not expecting an extended comic setpiece about the underground railroad, this book continues to amaze

In Gilead? Can't say I remember that bit.

(And I've read it maybe three times)

Housekeeping.

the horse/tunnel bit!