Mitford's small town life breathes a story that's revealed to us through the eyes of one Timothy Kavanagh, or as people prefer to call him, Father Tim.
Father Tim has led a solitary home life for the majority of his adult existence, though the certainty of that world will shift the year he turns sixty. His reality alters with the appearance of a massive dog, who's still a puppy, a young boy needing a home and an interesting neighbor, for which he's inadequately prepared.
The reasoning behind his bachelorhood isn't a reflection on his view of women, the problem evolved from the lack of a soul mate. He made an unconscious choice to live alone rather than forcing the fear of loneliness into a decision of an unwanted marriage.
At this point in his life, he believes he'll be single throughout his remaining years, though fate has other plans ready to thrust upon him, whether he's ready or not.
Is Mitford a realistic look at life in a southern village? The residents may appear a tad polished for a wee town in North Carolina. They're an engaging, giving, intelligent, interesting, hard working and essentially likable lot.
Mitford is situated on the top of a mountain with gorgeous views of the valleys below, and is a day trip tourist destination, and though the town welcomes visitors, there's an unvoiced slogan of "thank you for visiting, now go home."
Considerable reviews share Father Tim's imperfections. There's a belief he should save everyone from everything, while never sleeping or meeting his own needs.
Does he have faults? Yes, he realizes he has a hard place in his soul from the result of a harsh father, and wants to deviate away from this flaw, yet this doesn't reflect on his giving spirit, for he metes out love to all he comes in contact with. He daydreams of running away, and self doubt isn't a stranger, and he'll be the first to tell people to put their trust in Jesus Christ and not in men, for men will always fail.
If you want to read a book concerning a perfect pastor--this isn't the book for you, though if you're willing to read of an unfinished (and aren't we all) person continuously looking to God for guidance, then read away.
