Lila by Marilynne Robinson

It takes a special talent to write a novel about ordinary people and to make the story extraordinary. A special talent to write in the grave and measured cadence of the King James Bible and to make the language relevant to today's readers. A special talent to interweave matters of faith and religion into a story and to not lapse into preachiness and sanctimoniousness. A special talent to write about the grace of kindness and love and not come across as overly sentimental and unrealistic. Marilynne Robinson has that talent. This is a beautiful novel.

It follows the life of Lila Dahl, who is rescued as a small child from neglect and mistreatment by a homeless migrant named Doll, who loves and protects her throughout her hard-scrabble youth. As a woman in her 30s, alone and friendless, Lila stumbles into a surprising romance with the Rev. John Ames, a minister more than twice her age. The third-person narration is limited to Lila's thoughts and actions as she tries to reconcile the minister's kindness and his teachings about redemption with the experiences of her previous life.

Because this is a book about thoughts and feelings and beliefs more than about dramatic events, some readers may find it slow and unexciting. Others, who expect certainty and strong evangelistic messages in a novel which speaks of religious belief, may find it lacking, because it speaks of doubt and a search for meaning. I can't think of any others who might not be entranced.

Robinson's novel Gilead, winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2005, tells part of this same story, through the first-person narration of John Ames. I strongly suggest reading them both, as it is fascinating to compare and contrast the two.

I predict that Lila will win this year's Pulitzer.