Lila

Lila, by Marilynne Robinson, tells the profound story of a woman, Lila, who finds herself homeless and adrift after years of wandering through the harsh landscapes of the American Midwest. Seeking refuge from a storm, she steps into a small-town Iowa church, where an unexpected turn of events unfolds. The church, the only shelter available to her, becomes the setting for a transformative romance with the minister, John Ames, and sets the stage for a deep, philosophical debate about redemption, love, and belonging. This encounter promises to reshape her entire existence.

Robinson weaves a rich, deeply reflective narrative, capturing the stark beauty of the American heartland and the complexity of human emotions. Through Lila's eyes, we observe a world haunted by loneliness, yet filled with moments of extraordinary grace and compassion. The story not only explores Lila's tumultuous past but also ventures into themes of identity and faith, compelling readers to ponder profound questions about life and spirituality.

'One of the greatest living novelists' BRYAN APPLEYARD, SUNDAY TIMES

'Robinson is frequently named as one of America's most significant writers . . . Her questioning books express wonder: they are enlightening, in the best sense, passionately contesting our facile, recycled understanding of ourselves and of our world' SARAH CHURCHWELL, GUARDIAN

'The work of an exceptional novelist' ROWAN WILLIAMS, NEW STATESMAN

'A sumptuous, graceful and ultimately life-affirming novel' JAMES KIDD, INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

'Great and luminous beauty . . . a book that leaves the reader feeling what can only be called exaltation' NEEL MUKHERJEE, INDEPENDENT

Lila stands as a testament to Robinson's poetic language and her profound understanding of the human condition. This novel is a moving exploration of resilience and hope, demonstrating why Robinson is celebrated as one of the foremost novelists of our time.