At Home in Mitford -- Jan Karon

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

27 Sep 2006 08:00 AM

At the time "At Home in Mitford" was published, high drama was the trend in literature. Car chases and dead bodies, abuse and neglect, drug addiction - these were the themes that seemed to drive what the so-called experts would call real literature. But then along came this gentle book by Jan Karon, a book with no gun fights, no swearing, no elicit doings of any kind, and it set the literary world on its ear. How could a book without the tried and true hooks draw such a crowd?

The answer was simple. People were tired of gun fights, and they wanted a reminder of what life could be like, with good neighbors, people who watched out for each other, where you crossed the street to say hello to someone and not to avoid them. That's the kind of place Mitford is.

Our main character is a lovable man named Father Tim. In his denomination, it's perfectly all right for him to take a wife, but he has reached his older years without ever having been married. It's not that he's against it, it's just that he's been so busy taking care of his parish. He is well cared for by his parishioners, but he has been a little bit lonely. All that changes in chapter one.

Coming out of the Main Street Grill, his favorite hang-out, Father Tim is suddenly pounced upon by one very large, very slobbery, and very affectionate dog. Nothing he says or does can stop the animal from its wild hello dance, and in desperation the father starts reciting one of his favorite scriptures. The dog immediately sits down to listen. A dog that appreciates the scriptures? Apparently so.

Now Father Tim can't get rid of him. Finally, feeling resigned, he gives the dog a home and names him Barnabas. But that's not the only homeless creature Father Tim is to care for. A homely, starving little boy is soon given to his care, a boy with a chip on his shoulder and an empty soul. Father Tim's resources are exhausted as he tries to give this child what he needs, but he finds that he is rewarded in so many other ways. And this is not to mention the attractive new neighbor who moves in next door, making Father Tim wonder if his life of solitude is over.

You come away from this book feeling like you want to pack your bag and move to Mitford. This is a heart-warming, lovely tale of good people leading a simple life, and you'll enjoy every minute of it.

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Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

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