Lila

Lila is a work of literary fiction by American novelist Marilynne Robinson. Originally published in 2014 by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, the novel is set in Robinson’s fictional Gilead universe and tells the story of Reverend John Ames’s enigmatic wife, Lila Dahl. When Lila discovers that she is pregnant with the reverend’s child, she begins to reflect on her life. She is happy with John but still struggles to make sense of how much her circumstances have changed over the years. Throughout the novel, she muses on her childhood, adolescent, and recent adult memories in an attempt to understand her future as a mother. The novel is told from the third-person limited point of view and explores themes of The Search for Belonging After Displacement, Memory as Survival and Self-Definition, and Love as an Act of Mutual Vulnerability.

This guide refers to the 2014 Farrar, Straus, and Giroux paperback edition of the novel.

Content Warning: Both the source text and this guide include sexual content and depictions of kidnapping, child abuse, child death, emotional abuse, pregnancy termination, pregnancy complications, graphic violence, mental illness, and death.

Plot Summary

Lila Dahl is married to Reverend John Ames. The couple lives in Gilead, Iowa. John has been the reverend of the same church for decades and feels resigned to his life in town. However, he is still grieving the death of his first wife, Louisa, and their infant child. Meeting Lila softens his heart once more. One day, Lila discovers that she is pregnant. She tells John about the pregnancy but reminds him that anything could happen and she might not carry the baby to term. John understands but remains happy and hopeful.

Lila spends most of her time by herself. John is attentive to her, but is preoccupied with the church. Whenever he is out, Lila sits in her own room with the door locked, reading the Bible. She loves to read—particularly the book of Ezekiel—but always finds her mind wandering into the past. She cannot stop wondering what of her past life she will tell her unborn child.

Lila grew up with a woman named Doll as her caretaker. From what Lila understands, Doll took her from her biological mother because Lila and her mother were sick and her father was missing. Lila believes that if Doll hadn’t taken her, she would not have survived. She is curious about her origins, but never asks questions, and she and Doll never discuss the truth of what happened.

For years, Lila lives on the road with Doll. They move from one town to the next, following what work they can find. They sometimes clean houses or work as field hands. At one point, they join another migrant group, which includes Doane, Marcelle, Mellie, and Arthur. Lila never grows attached to any of these individuals but does find herself thinking of them in the present.

Lila trusts Doll unconditionally until one day Doll disappears. The rest of the migrant group deposits her outside of a town church. Lila sits there for hours, unsure if Doll or the others plan on coming back for her. When Doll returns, she swears she has been looking for Lila for days, but Lila feels betrayed.

Some time thereafter, Doane, Marcelle, Mellie, and Arthur scatter, leaving Lila and Doll to themselves again. The two carry on together, but Lila often misses the other traveling companions. Then one day, Lila encounters Doll dripping in blood. Doll explains that she killed Lila’s father. He came after her, seeking revenge for taking his daughter years prior. Doll killed him with her knife to protect herself. The authorities apprehend her. Lila tries defending Doll, but Doll pretends not to know Lila.

Covered in blood from Doll’s wounds, Lila wanders town unsure what to do. She encounters a woman who assumes she has given herself an abortion and recommends she see a woman (narratively called “Mrs.”) who helps girls in trouble. Lila finds the woman, who runs a brothel in the city. Mrs. takes Lila in.

Lila works at the brothel for some time, going by the name “Rosie.” Although thankful for a roof over her head, Lila despises this way of life. Finally, she decides the only thing to make it better would be if she could have a baby of her own. Because she has never gotten pregnant before, she makes plans to steal one of the other girl’s babies as soon as she gives birth. However, the girl leaves the brothel before Lila can enact her plan. Devastated, Lila takes a train toward Des Moines.

Outside the town of Gilead, Lila finds an abandoned cabin and moves in. She is glad to have a place of her own but is constantly lonely. She finds herself wandering into Gilead with increased frequency, although she does not know why; she does not want to stay in the town and doubts the people would accept her.

Lila eventually gets to the preacher. Their attachment begins when they encounter each other in the rain outside the church. From that day on, they start spending time together. Eventually Lila proposes to the preacher and he accepts. Ever since their wedding, Lila has been trying to settle into this unfamiliar life.

Lila finally gives birth to a healthy baby boy. The preacher is overjoyed. In the weeks and months following, Lila settles into motherhood. She realizes that although her elderly preacher may not have long to live, they can enjoy the life they have now. She will tell her son about her past, too, and enjoy the present moment.