Lila

More about the book

A new American classic from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Gilead and Housekeeping, this novel tells the story of Lila, a girlhood spent on society's fringes, marked by fear, awe, and wonder. After years of wandering, Lila finds shelter from the rain in a small-town Iowa church, sparking a romance with minister John Ames that transforms her life. As his wife, she seeks to understand her tumultuous past. Neglected as a child, Lila was raised by Doll, a resourceful drifter, and together they navigated a harsh existence, relying on their sisterly bond and a ragged blade for protection. Their life, though fraught with violence and desperation, was also filled with joy and love. In Gilead, Lila grapples with reconciling her difficult upbringing with her husband's gentle Christian beliefs, which often judge those she holds dear. This poignant narrative revisits beloved characters and settings from Robinson's earlier works, offering a profound exploration of existence's mysteries, destined to resonate as a modern classic.