At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon
Reviewed by KeriRatings
Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content
LANGUAGE
SEXUAL CONTENT
ADULT THEMES
Ratings Explanation
Language: A few common swear words and liberal use of the name of deity. Two uses of the word nigger from some unkind and prejudiced town folk.
Violence: School boys fighting. Officer shot during an attempted drug bust.
Sexual Content: Alludes to two out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Father Tim has a strong desire to kiss the woman next door.
Adult Themes: Racial prejudice, alcoholic mother giving up her five children, burglary, drug making, death of spouse and serious health issues. All of these are tastefully mentioned and not elaborated on.
Synopsis
Father Tim, rector of 12 years for the small North Carolina town of Mitford, is finding himself a little burned out and feeling empty at the end of the day. His doctor and secretary have repeatedly encouraged him to take some time for himself, but to Father Tim, caring for his parishioners is a full time job. However, help comes to him in the strangest ways. First is a new companion, in the form of a sofa-sized homeless dog, that is liberal with his affectionate and slobbery kisses and controlled only through the reciting of scripture. Second is an ill-mannered, eleven year old mountain boy, Dooley, who has been living with his grandfather until his recent bout with pneumonia. Then there is Puny Bradshaw, the house help hired by the parish to care for their beloved rector, that takes her job more serious than most. Mix in a jewel thief, a sixty year old mystery, a heart transplant patient, and an attractive new neighbor and Father Tim ends up needing to take a real vacation in the end.
This book is not an attention grabbing page turner. It is rather like sipping a relaxing cup of hot cocoa, and snuggling in a warm blanket on a rainy day. It was a breath of fresh air and a reminder of true humanity and neighborly love.
©2009 The Literate Mother