In the Company of Others by Jan Karon

This is another in Jan Karon’s Father Tim series—the Mitford series, but this one doesn’t take place in Mitford. It takes place in Ireland.

     I don’t exactly know what makes Jan Karon’s books so magical. In this one, Father Tim (retired) and his lovely wife Cynthia intend to tour Ireland, but because of a re-injury of Cynthia’s ankle, they end up spending the entire vacation in the same guest house. So they never actually go anywhere! And yet the story is very engaging. I think it must be the way Karon can make her characters so alive and so interesting. I am sure it also has something to do with the absolute positive energy that floods every one of her books. They are somehow so sweet without being saccharine or cloying. They are very good.

     

     This was a great book—uplifting, inspiring, heart-warming, yup, all of that. There is a touch of mystery, a lot of interpersonal relationships, some faith-building experiences and a lot of beautiful countryside. I really liked this book. In fact, Jan Karon herself says “Of all the novels I’ve written, 'In the Company of Others' is my personal favorite, my dark-haired child.” Highly recommended.

Bad language: none
Sex: none