This is one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve read in a very long time.
“After years of days that were suffered and forgotten, no more memorable than any particular stone in his shoe, here, in a cemetery, in the middle of the night, he was caught off guard by the actual turn of events, something that mattered, a meeting that would empty his best thoughts of their pleasure . “
Jack Boughton, son of a minister, gone from his home in Gilead, Iowa, now in St. Louis, recently out of prison, for a crime he did not commit. It’s a third person narrative, but Robinson takes us deep into Jack’s conscience, his thoughts on his low self worth, his failings, the mistakes of his youth that leave scars, the crimes he did commit, his drinking. Then he meets Della, a black woman, a teacher, herself the daughter of a minister. I wondered as I was reading if I would have been as captivated with Jack if I hadn’t read the other books in the Gilead series, already at this reading knowing Jack’s past and knowing where this journey will take him. I can’t say for sure, but I can say that I was pulled in – head and heart. I can’t say that I would recommend this as a stand-alone. I think to appreciate the fullness and beauty of the story, it makes sense to know the stories of the Gilead series.
The dark moments of his inner struggles are offset by so much joy – the joy they find in just being together. It would be illegal for Jack and Della to marry in this time and place, yet they married, not a marriage before a minister or a justice of the peace. It was a true marriage before each other, the meaningful joining that is the only one that mattered to them. I loved their conversations as their love grew. By the very nature of who they are, children of ministers, they talk about God, about the hereafter, reflections on faith. I loved their love of and sharing of books, Frost and Shakespeare. I loved even their banter.
It’s beautifully written, as I expected, albeit a little slow in parts, thus 4.5 stars. I have to round up, though. For me it wasn’t only a love story, but so much more. It’s a story reflecting the racism of the 1950’s, sadly holding relevance today. It’s a story of regrets and redemption and the ability to accept and enjoy a little “grace” in your life along side the heartbreak. Robinson is on my list of favorite writers.
I read this with Diane and Esil as one of our ongoing monthly reads.
I received a copy of this book Farrar, Strauss and Giroux through Edelweiss.
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