Monday, October 13, 2008

Review: At Home in Mitford

At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon is a wonderfully penned tale of a life in a quiet little hamlet where nothing ever happens. At least that was my impression while reading. Then I started thinking. Would I feel like nothing ever happened if in the space of a year I:
  • thought I had a valuable painting from one of the masters
  • took in a troubled young man who needed much guidance
  • found someone living in my attic
  • was assaulted by a friendly dog, and then by the dog's not so friendly owners
  • learned a new friend was dying
  • found myself falling in love

These are some of the events in the life of just one character. So, perhaps life in Mitford is not as calm and peaceful as it first appears. Perhaps it is the wonderful storytelling skill of Ms. Karon that makes life seem idyllic in Mitford. Perhaps Ms. Karon's characters and their reactions to life's events are what make this town so special.

I loved this book. I read it mostly at night, just before bed - and looked forward to ending each day in the real world with an hour or so in Mitford. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone.

Possible books for next week's review include Juliette Ascending by Rosemary Poole-Carter, Tea is for Terror by Gayle Wigglesworth, and Carols and Crimes, Gifts and Grifters - an Anthology. If you have a preference or a special request for future reviews, please use the comments link below to share your thoughts.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

The "Mitford" books by Jan Karon rank among my favorites. After a hectic day, the Mitfortd books are a calming and peaceful influence.

I'm glad you like them too. :-)

Diana
http://dianadriver.com

Charlotte Phillips said...

I'm learnign there are many Mitford fans out there. These books were completely new to me - another gem that came with the new hubby:-).

Morgan Mandel said...

More books to read in the myth of my spare time.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

PS I'm following you. Are you following me?

Dana Fredsti said...

I love Jan Karon's books... read a bunch of them about 10 years ago at the recommendation of my best friend.

Loretta Wheeler said...

I think this type of book is particularly soothing to all of us right now:) I'm reading something a little out of character for what I normally choose at the moment, but enjoying the easy pace...and savoring the feel of day to day life the book lends ...

Lo

Charlotte Phillips said...

Yes Morgan - always more books than time, but that is much better than the other way around, isn't it?

Charlotte Phillips said...

Zhadi,
Sounds like you have a great best friend! Mark actually recommended these to me just about ten years ago. Wish I'd listened to him then because I had much more free time.

Charlotte Phillips said...

Loretta,

Don't keep us in suspence! What are you reading?

Lillie Ammann said...

Charlotte,
I love the Mitford series, though I haven't read any in a while. You've inspired me to see if any are available for the Kindle.

Charlotte Phillips said...

Lillie,

I hope you'll return and share your findings with the rest of us.

Char