42 pages • 1 hour read
J.L. CarrA Month in the Country
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1980A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr tells the story of Thomas Birkin, a World War One veteran and recent divorcé, who is hired to restore a medieval mural in a Yorkshire church. As he painstakingly uncovers the mural, Birkin forms connections with the local community and confronts his traumatic past and crumbling marriage, finding healing and solace in the remote rural setting. Themes of war trauma and the ramifications of repressive attitudes regarding sexual orientation are present.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
J.L. Carr's A Month in the Country is widely praised for its poignant and evocative storytelling. Readers appreciate its lyrical prose and deeply reflective narrative. However, some note its slow pacing and sparse plot. Overall, it’s seen as a beautifully crafted meditation on healing and human connection, though it may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action.
Who Should Read A Month in the Country?
A reader who enjoys A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr likely appreciates subtle, character-driven narratives with themes of healing and nostalgia. Fans of pastoral settings, quiet introspection, and understated literary prose, akin to those found in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day or L.P. Hartley's The Go-Between, will find this book compelling.