Even though this series takes place in a southern American town and the
James Herriot series takes place in England, even though Herriot is a
vet and Father Tim is an Episcopalian priest, even though Herriot's
books are autobiographical and the Mitford books are not, I felt like I
was stepping into the pages of another Jim Herriot book when I opened At Home in Mitford.
The cast of characters is so rich and unique, the setting so charming,
the sense of wonder and appreciation so present, I could not help but
compare the two. Karon weaves a darn good story.
Father Tim,
the "portly priest" of Lord's Chapel, is the central figure in this
novel, though the omniscient narrator does provide us with some of the
other characters' thoughts. Timothy is a gentle man with a simple
routine who is discouraged with himself because he doesn't feel he is
making a big enough difference. The first words he utters in this book
are a prayer that God will help him be a blessing to someone this day.
Little does he realize that the someone the Lord has in mind will turn
out to be the biggest blessing he has had in a long time.
The
"someone" in question is a huge black dog, not yet fully grown, who
takes a liking to the rector and decides to adopt him. Of course, it
takes the priest some time to agree to this arrangement; he hasn't had a
pet since he cared for rabbits as a boy. But the furry oaf grows on
him, and when he discovers that the dog's exuberance can be controlled
by quoting Scripture, even he must agree that it's a match made in
Heaven.
But Father Tim's life continues to be riddled with
doubt and anxiety, and the burdens of the town do not help. There are
the church bells which have been delayed for months. The beautiful young
parishioner dying of a heart condition. The ill-mannered 12-year-old
boy who comes to stay with him. The discovery that he has diabetes. The
donation of a painting which may be a Vermeer. An alarmingly attractive
new neighbor with a cat, of all things. And the mysterious disappearance
of several objects from the chapel. And these are only the foremost
issues at hand.
Delve deep into this book and discover a world
of wonderful characters, simple pleasures, and devotion to God. More
action-packed than Jeanette Oke's pioneer series, not terrifying like Left Behind,
Mitford is the perfect middle ground which is sure to be enjoyed by
anyone who ever wished for a simpler life. Christians especially will
enjoy it for the way it incorporates God's presence into everyday
events; Father Tim is almost reminiscent of Tevye at times. All in all,
an entertaining, wholesome, and heart-warming read. I can't wait to read
the second book!
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