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.