INTO THE MYSTIC

The author of Housekeeping returns with a superb ode to love’s power.

ILLUSTRATION BY Thomas Ehretsmann

IN 2005, Marilynne Robinson was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Gilead. In its citation, the Pulitzer committee said the novel offered “a hymn of praise and lamentation” to a “God-haunted existence.” In the books that followed, Home and Lila, Robinson continued to explore characters from the Iowa town she created—the eponymous Gilead—and, through them, themes of faith, existentialism, and connection. Now, with the sublime Jack (FSG), she resumes and deepens her quest, extending it to the contemplation of race. The story opens with a quiet quarrel between Jack Boughton and Della Miles, who have just eaten dinner together. After an embarrassing incident at the restaurant, Jack is hell-bent on walking Della home and making things right. With some prodding, Della soon forgives him. The pair become inseparable. Together they enjoy flirtatious banter…

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O, The Oprah (Digital) - 1 Issue, October 2020

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