Home

Home takes place in the small town of Gilead, Iowa, where Glory Boughton returns to care for her aging father, Reverend Robert Boughton. Her brother Jack, the family's prodigal son who has been absent for twenty years, arrives soon after. The story unfolds within the Boughton family home as Glory and Jack navigate their new roles as adult children caring for their elderly father. Their days consist of domestic routines, conversations about the past, and attempts to bridge decades of distance. Set in the 1950s, the novel runs parallel to the events in Robinson's previous book Gilead, offering a different perspective on shared events and characters. The narrative focuses on family relationships, particularly the complex bonds between siblings and between fathers and children. The book explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the meaning of home - both as a physical place and as an emotional concept. Through the lens of one family's story, Robinson examines larger questions about faith, grace, and the possibility of reconciliation.

Readers note the slow, contemplative pace and theological themes that carry through Robinson's writing. The book focuses more on internal character development than plot action. Readers appreciated: - The deep exploration of family relationships and forgiveness - Robinson's precise, poetic prose style - The realistic portrayal of small-town life - Complex character studies, particularly of Glory and Jack - Thoughtful handling of faith and doubt Common criticisms: - Too slow-moving with minimal plot - Heavy religious themes feel preachy to some - Requires reading Gilead first to fully understand context - Inner monologues can become repetitive Ratings: Goodreads: 3.85/5 (37,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (300+ ratings) "Beautiful writing but I kept waiting for something to happen" appears frequently in reviews. Multiple readers called it "a meditation rather than a story." Some noted it works better as a companion to Gilead than as a standalone novel.

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The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky Three brothers return to their father's home in rural Russia, leading to an exploration of faith, family loyalty, and moral responsibility.

The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy A man returns to his southern hometown to help his troubled sister, confronting family history and long-buried secrets.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger The story follows a family's journey through the Midwest in search of a fugitive brother, weaving together themes of faith, loyalty, and familial love.

🔸 Robinson spent 24 years between publishing her first and second novels, focusing on non-fiction writing and teaching at the Iowa Writers' Workshop during this gap. 🔸 "Home" is part of Robinson's Gilead series, which won multiple prestigious awards including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. 🔸 The fictional town of Gilead, Iowa is loosely based on Tabor, Iowa, which served as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. 🔸 The character of Reverend Boughton was partially inspired by the author's own Presbyterian upbringing and her lifelong interest in theological questions. 🔸 The novel tackles the biblical story of the prodigal son from multiple perspectives, offering a nuanced exploration of both the returning child and those who stayed behind.