The Mitford Series of books by Jan Karon has been out for a while, but I know that some people still haven’t read any of them, so I thought I’d put in a good word. This set of books centers around a fictional town called “Mitford,” Father Tim (the local Episcopalian priest) , and the town’s various characters.
This is a good little Christian fiction series that draws you into the life of the town. Karon does an excellent job creating a fictional place that you actually “look forward” to visiting. She sets up the storylines in such a way that you care about the characters; their lives, their struggles, their pets, what they are having for supper…
The first of the series, At Home in Mitford, sets the stage and the original players, with characters added throughout the stories. I find that her style of writing is rather pleasant to read; it doesn’t bash the reader over the head with The Bible; no heavy preaching, no pressure, just good storytelling. This is not to say that there is no theology present, or that the gospel isn’t present, because it is. It is done in such a way that it is “organic” to the story, and it fits with the characters, it is not forced either on them, or on the reader.
I’m trying to recall if there is any theology presented that I disagree with, and I can’t really think of any…there is good interplay between the various Christian denominations in the town which is heartwarming, and amusing at the same time.
Here is a list of the books in this particular series in order: 1) At Home in Mitford, 2) A Light in the Window, 3) These High, Green Hills, 4) Out to Canaan, 5) A New Song, 6) A Common Life, 7) In This Mountain, 8 ) Sheperds Abiding, and 9) A Light from Heaven. I would consider A Common Life and Shepherds Abiding as kind of “mini-novels;” they go along with the series but are not as long as her regular novels. Shepherds Abiding, which I have not read yet, is also a collection of some shorter stories that still take place in Mitford with the same characters.
Karon also has companion books out that are connected to Mitford; like a quote book, a cook book, etc… Other reasons why I like this series; they are relaxing reading, non-stressful, they are what I consider to be “quick” reads…and you can usually find most of the series at used book stores if you ask for them, or most libraries carry them, or can get them.
Karon has started another series; The Father Tim Series, to continue on with some of the characters that you’ll get to know in the Mitford series. I do indeed recommend these books…I have also heard that even guys who read them like them, but they are, to me, geared toward the female reader. I would also welcome any comments by any of my readers who have checked them out and would like to add their reviews here.
6 Comments
December 4, 2008 at 9:11 pm
I’m enjoying them right now!
I was googling the order of books and found your post! : )
December 15, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I have just finished the sixth book in the series and have absolutely loved reading them. I will be very sad when I’ve finished the final book. It is a heart warming, inspiring and quite amusing series. I have laughed out loud more times that I can recall.
April 17, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Loving this series. I feel like I’m taken back to my youth when we had a sense of community, knew everyone and had concern for each other.
To think that someone could write such a beautiful series and not one curse word or sexual description. How nice!!!
June 6, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Unfortunately Jan Karon or her publisher has used a different “reader” for her new Father Tim earlier series that she has just started.
His name is Scott Sowers, and is just NOT Father Tim. Very sad for those who cannot read the book and rely on audio books for any enjoyment. I sure wish Jan Karon could go back to John McDonough who did all of the origional series. Great books though.
August 18, 2009 at 1:13 am
As a guy who has just finished the first of the Mitford series I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed it! I found the book easy to read, most of the characters are believable and likeable, the references to the Bible/theology are very appropriate and not “preachy,” and the references to various literary, historical, tonsorial, culinary and geographical elements make the stories much more interesting for me. Either Jan Karon is an extremely knowledgeable person or she has one whale of a research staff!
I am excited to get to the next book. My only mild criticism is that the stories move a bit slowly, but once I got used to the pacing, it was not terribly objectionable. All in all, two thumbs up! (I am 66 years old, by the way, but who’s counting?!?)
September 17, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Just wanted to clarify…Mitford is NOT a fictional town – it is a real town in NC.