Jan Karon

What the fuck. Sigh. I was iffy about the first one because of how saccharine it was, but would have given it a higher rating than the 2 stars I gave it if not for Rose.

It's one thing to show compassion to someone with mental illness. But enabling them is another thing, which is what Mitford does to Rose. And it's alarming because in the first book, Rose showed some clear patterns of narcissism and abusive behavior. She keeps her husband financially dependent on her and refuses to share her show more enormous wealth with him. She burned his artwork years ago (or told him she did) because he ate the last of the pickle relish. Despite her wealth, she won't even buy food for him - he pretty much has to live off the generosity of the town. And by the time of the events of the first book, he's pretty old (60s or 70s) so he can't just leave her and support himself (not once is he even said to be on Social Security or anything) because he has pretty bad arthritis (to the point where he can't even draw/make art anymore)

So in this book - I will admit I only read the Kindle sample and was so disgusted I couldn't go on further) the dumb cunt now thinks she's a traffic cop and is trying to control the traffic in the downtown area while wearing ridiculous shit like party hats. And when the local merchants complain about the disruption this is causing to tourists/traffic, the mayor shuts them down, because "this town takes care of its own"

Again - there is a difference between compassion and enabling, and if I had a neighbor who treated their partner the way Rose treated her husband, I would certainly be having words with them.

The author seems to have a double standard when it comes to bad behavior. If the roles between Bill and Rose were reversed, I think a lot more people would more easily recognize/admit that the behavior is abusive.

The double standard is further evinced in the character of Edith Mallory, a widow who would flirt with others while her husband was still alive, and is now pursuing Father Tim despite his efforts to rebuff her advances. If the roles were reversed, we'd be calling the man a predator. But since it's a widow, her constant advances - which make Tim alarmed and uncomfortable - are apparently awwwwwwright.

No. Just, no.

GODDAMNIT, NO. FUCK THIS SHIT. show less

Among other goings-on in the town of Mitford, Father Tim is having trouble with women. His eccentric cousin Meg, whom he happens not to know, shows up for an uninvited, indefinite stay at his house. Recently widowed Edith is hot on Father Tim’s bachelor tail. Not to mention that he’s falling for his neighbor, Cynthia, and he doesn’t know what to do about it in A Light in the Window, a novel by author Jan Karon.

Another delightful jaunt through town in this second book in the Mitford show more Years series. So endlessly cute and humorous. And I always appreciate a read where the author can continually surprise me. They don’t have to be big, flashy surprises, but even cleverly simple ones keep me engaged and on my toes. I like not being able to predict everything the story or a character is going to say or do next.

One stretch I enjoyed most in this novel was the small-town Christmas season. But even more than that, there’s something refreshing about a main character in his sixties who’s never been married, feeling clueless as he navigates the daunting twists and turns of romance and wonders at the untapped recesses of his own heart. I’ll admit there were a few times when Cynthia aggravated me more than Tim did, but some of their letters to each other made me ache in a (very good) way I’m not sure I’ve ached before, while reading a love story. Just…gol-lee.

When a novel can make you slap it closed and literally hug it after you’ve finished it, something definitely went right. I’m looking forward to continuing this series. show less

When my soul needs soothing, I return to Mitford. Somehow I always find what I need in these novels. Perhaps it is because, like Father Tim, I am recently married later in life. This novel has themes of what marriage means. Perhaps it is because I have faced loss recently, as have so many during this pandemic. These High, Green Hills explores profound, unimaginable loss and mourning. Perhaps it is because of the joy in the fellowship of friends. I needed this book now.

Released in 1996, I show more believe the setting is earlier in the 1980s when home computers were still relatively new, and word processing was in its infancy. While there are serious moments and sad, they are leavened by humor that is always kind.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Mitford. Do start at the beginning of the series so you can watch the characters evolve. The series is highly recommended. show less

My Beloved - J.Karon
4 stars

I was surprised to see another Mitford book. It was a treat to revisit the town and the characters. The book takes place at least 3 years after the last book. There have been some changes, but the overall comfort of the characters and the community remained. This story is set during Advent with small chapters dropping in on all the usual Mitford inhabitants. There’s a loose plot device around Father Tim’s missing Christmas letter to Cynthia. The misplaced show more letter meanders through the village creating a series of amusing events while providing some thoughtful relationship fodder.

I have a real fondness for the Mitford books. Years ago when I read the first book, I immediately bought a copy for my mother. I felt that Jan Karon had written about Father Tim and his community with my mother in mind. Mom wasn’t much of a reader. It was a point of mild disagreement with us, (or major disagreement when I was a teen.) I think she regarded reading as a lazy, nonproductive way to spend time. Whereas I have to be pried away from a good book when I’m captivated with it. I can't think of a better way to spend my time. So, I have happy memories of sharing the Mitford books with her. Mitford was common ground for us. We both enjoyed our reading visits.

Mitford is an antidote for challenging times. Many of Karon’s characters are thankful survivors of very hard times. The book left me with a bit more optimism that we will all muddle through somehow. The added bonus is that I feel like I’ve also had a visit with my mother. show less