lokroma reviewed A month in the country by James Lloyd Carr
Review of 'A month in the country' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
This little book wildly exceeded my expectations. A beautifully crafted story told by first person narrator Tom Birkin, a WWI soldier and artist. Tom returns to England with PTSD and receives a commission in the northern part of the country to remove many layers of whitewash from an old mural in a small rural church. On a scaffolding high above the chancel arch he reveals little by little a magnificent Renaissance painting by an unkown painter who was clearly a master of his craft.
As he works away, Tom starts to connect with the folks in the community, and as the painting is gradually uncovered he begins to heal as well.
The book is kind of perfect. The length is exactly right, and the idea of a man who starts to regain strength and wholeness from an exquisite painting and from connection to community is an appealing metaphor. Carr's descriptions …
This little book wildly exceeded my expectations. A beautifully crafted story told by first person narrator Tom Birkin, a WWI soldier and artist. Tom returns to England with PTSD and receives a commission in the northern part of the country to remove many layers of whitewash from an old mural in a small rural church. On a scaffolding high above the chancel arch he reveals little by little a magnificent Renaissance painting by an unkown painter who was clearly a master of his craft.
As he works away, Tom starts to connect with the folks in the community, and as the painting is gradually uncovered he begins to heal as well.
The book is kind of perfect. The length is exactly right, and the idea of a man who starts to regain strength and wholeness from an exquisite painting and from connection to community is an appealing metaphor. Carr's descriptions of the countryside make me want to be there, and I was sent online numerous times to look up architectural terms I had forgotten long ago. I tend to agree with those who consider this book a classic.