I just finished reading In This Mountain, book #7 in the Mitford series. This series is the epitome of comfort reading. I read the first six books when I was pregnant and didn't really want to think. I just wanted to exist (in some other story, mostly). My husband and I are also professional photographers and this is our busy wedding season. Hence, I wanted something to read that I could just get lost in and not think about. Hail Mitford! I'm-a-comin'. (This may be the month of comedy/pleasure reading -- we'll see!)A year after I first began the Mitford series, I have to say that I'm not particularly fond of Karon's writing style. I can't put my finger on it (maybe you can) but it doesn't seem top notch. I say that as a non-writer who has poor grammar herself at times! I know that Karon is using "backwoods" speech to express and describe her characters so most of it is forgivable but it does seem a stretch now and again. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the story.
This time we find Father Tim in the throes of depression. Now, I should interject that Mitford is so believable in my mind that when my husband comes home from work I frequently want to fill him in on the latest details. ("Cynthia left for a book tour and Hope is in love with George Gaylor! Can you believe it!?!?!") Now how real is that?! My imagination must be working over time. I honestly became really concerned with Father Tim's condition, even though I knew he'd pull out of it. When we came to the crux of the message of the book, which was that we are to give thanks in all situations -- even the bad ones that come along in life -- I felt the message hit home to me, personally. What applied to Father Tim must surely apply to me. (Which is a truth although it wasn't AS applicable as if Father Tim were real. Which, btw, I'm sure that he is.)
I love Mitford. It may be light reading but I like it. I can imagine it into reality (so I hope they don't ever try to make a movie out of it) and it becomes a part of me when I need to kick back and relax. I need a porch of my own to sit on at night and just.....relax!
I didn't realize that the series was still going, I might have to pick up the last couple of books. Thanks for your thoughts, they were enjoyable as always!
ReplyDeleteI have only read the first two books in the series, and that was quite a while ago. My mother is a big fan and has read most of them.
ReplyDeleteI do remember the books being very comforting--something gentle and pleasant for the mind. Someday I'll get around to reading the rest of the series.
Yes, Mitford is nice place to relax. I don't know waht to call these books. They're not deeply philosophical and profound, but there is something there, something real and encouraging.
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