Lila by Marilynne Robinson is an intricately woven tale, set in the heart of the American Midwest. Its clean, precise prose reveals the struggles of an ordinary farm woman’s journey to self-knowledge. The narrative follows Lila, a homeless drifter and wanderer, as she winds her way through the rural United States, slowly peeling away layers of discontent and fear as she comes to terms with her own past.
The novel begins with Lila, who has been alone for her entire life and remains mostly alone throughout. Her origins are unknown to her, and she is unable to remember anything from her past. She finds solace staying in abandoned houses nearby the small town of Gilead, which was founded by a preacher’s son, John Ames. During her time in Gilead, she meets her future husband, the town’s Reverend John Ames, who is a widower many years her senior.
In spite of their age difference, the two develop a strong connection and eventually marry. Despite her new marital status, Lila’s need to explore what’s beyond her known world persists, often resulting in her leaving Gilead without a trace. Each time, John Ames’ love for her brings her back, and she begins to develop a bond with the town and its people, in particular John Ames’ adolescent stepdaughter and his elderly father.
The novel continues to unfold the complex stories of the people she meets during her journey, and the struggles they endure while in pursuit of a meaningful life. Through her own life experiences, Lila begins to develop her own identity, both spiritually and emotionally, becoming a living example of resilience in a harsh and unforgiving world.
Robinson’s skillful storytelling gives Lila’s story an authenticity and credibility that draws the reader in, making her an relatable heroine for so many. The characters in the novel are humanised and brought to life in Robinson’s creative descriptions, and the narrative is further enriched with vivid impressions of the Midwestern towns and countryside.
The novel paints a beautiful portrait of the pleasures to be found in life’s small moments, and conveys the notion that no matter how little one knows of the past, it’s never too late to make a better future. Lila’s adventures are both inspiring and comforting, as she traverses through the difficulties we all must face, and proves that there’s love even amongst the most unexpected places. A timeless classic, Lila by Marilynne Robinson is a captivating story of the human capacity for love and forgiveness.
