“A Month in the Country” by J.L. Carr

In 1980, British writer J.L. Carr (1912-1994) published a short novel. It was one of eight he would publish during his life. And it turned out to be the one that became something of a classic. Even today, it’s considered a “perfect novel.” 

The novel is A Month in the Country. It has the kind of plot that wouldn’t lead you to believe it would become as famous as it has. A veteran of World War I, who specialized in art restoration before the war, has been hired to uncover a mural in a small chapel in Yorkshire, one dating to early Anglo-Saxon times. At some point in the past, perhaps during the dissolution of the monasteries and raiding of the churches by Henry VIII, the mural has been covered over. 

 

Now the church authorities want it restored, if possible. Thomas Birkin, the veteran is still suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (called something else back then), largely manifested by a nervous tic in his face that he can’t control. 

To continue reading, please see my post today at Dancing Priest.

Some Wednesday Readings

 

Timothy – Brian Miller at Notes from an East Tennessee Farmer.

 

The War on Knowledge – Dan Lerman at Three Press.

 

You Become What You Read – Clinton Manley at Desiring God.

 

What Happens If No One Reads? – Spencer Klavan at The Free Press.