The Mitford Years, Books 1-6 (At Home in Mitford / A Light in the Window / These High, Green Hills / Out to Canaan / A New Song / A Common Life) [BOX SET] (Paperback)

~ Jan Karon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Welcome to Mitford, North Carolina, the small mountain town at the center of Jan Karon's bestselling novels about rector Father Tim and the heartwarming cast of characters surrounding him. This boxed set includes paperback editions of the first four books in the series: At Home in Mitford, A Light in the Window, These High, Green Hills, and Out to Canaan. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From Library Journal

Karon does a remarkable job of giving voice to the inhabitants of her fictional North Carolina mountain town in this boxed four-book set of her popular Mitford series. Yet fans will be disappointed in the abridgment, which eliminates so much that the entire series is now shorter than the unabridged recording of any one of the four books (e.g., Out to Canaan, Audio Reviews, LJ 12/97). Although this version leaves the plot relatively intact, a number of minor characters are omitted. The abridgment, while usually seamless, is occasionally slightly choppy as detailed information is summarized by tacking a few words onto the end or beginning of a sentence. Readers of the Mitford novels will miss the odd details that give the books much of their charm and humor, like the prayer that Father Tim utters each morning before entering his office. His growing relationship with neighbor Cynthia Coppersmith also suffers as many of their scenes together are left out. Those new to the Mitford series can certainly follow the general plot of the books by listening to these abridged recordings, but they will lose much of what gives it its following. Karon, whose pleasant voice holds more than a hint of the South, does a splendid job of providing distinct voices to the diverse Mitford residents. This attractively packaged set is more appropriate as a gift for a fan rather than as a library purchase. Not recommended.ALeah Sparks, Bowie P.L., MD
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Penguin (September 24, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0147717795
• ISBN-13: 978-0147717795
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 4.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (119 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #272,795 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Mitford Years, May 2, 2000

By	Carol Dinsmoore "caroldins" (Alabama) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mitford Years: At Home in Mitford / A Light in the Window / These High, Green Hills / Out to Canaan (Four-Volume Set) (Paperback)

My friend told me of these books after a book signing that occured in town and now; I am sorry to have missed meeting Jan Karon! I have read all 5 books in less than a couple of months! I absolutely loved each and every one of them. Everyday I would transport myself to the town of Mitford and the interesting people in it. It was so wonderful to read something pleasurable and wholesome. I found them quite humerous at times. Father Tim is such a wonderful example of a good friend and just a giving person. Cynthia becomes a strong aspect of his life, revealing another side of him. Her love for life just grabs you! Dooley transforms into a wonderful new person because of all the unconditional love and support that Father Tim and all the people in Mitford give him. It broke my heart to finish the last book, yet I am glad to have "known" the people of Mitford. I so impatiently wait for Jan Karon's next masterpiece and that is what led me to her children's books "Miss Fannie's Hat" and "Jeremy." I have read these with my children time and time again. We look forward to more Jan Karon books!

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hats Off to Jan Karon! ([e-mail]), September 27, 2000

By	Debbie Young (Lamoni, IA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mitford Years: At Home in Mitford / A Light in the Window / These High, Green Hills / Out to Canaan (Four-Volume Set) (Paperback)

Where do I begin to describe the wonder and beauty of a place called Mitford? Normally, I read romance and murder mystery novels, but after reading the Mitford series, have no desire to pick up anything else. They have transported me to a higher plane and inspired me to be a better Christian, better friend, better mother, and better wife. Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley, Barnabus, Uncle Billy . . . all the characters are real people to me. I feel like I should walk outside and see them on the street. They are honest and caring and giving and very, very human. The difference that Father Tim has made in the lives of everyone around him is a perfect example of what the Holy Spirit can do in the life of a believer. And what a difference a dog, a boy, a wife, and a household filled to the brim with happiness and confusion has made in his own life. That's what life is all about. Learning and growing and becoming the kind of people that God wants us to me. Hats off to Jan Karon!

60 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Escape!, December 8, 1999

By	Ann Fisher ""game enthusiast"" (Prescott,Az.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mitford Years: At Home in Mitford / A Light in the Window / These High, Green Hills / Out to Canaan (Four-Volume Set) (Paperback)

Jan Karon certainly made me want to live in Mitford. Since I can't do that her books have been the closest thing to being there.I'm on the third book in the series and look forward to spending time with Father Tim and Cynthia and the wonderful and real cast of characters who inhabit Mitford. I first read about Mitford and Jan Karon when I picked up a copy of TEA magazine and read a review of her new book A New Song and an interview with Jan Karon. I grew up in a small New England town much like Mitford. It is a delight to escape there everytime I read about miss Rose, uncle Billy, Emma and Dooley not to mention the Main Street Grille. Each book includes a certain amount of mystery too. Will Tim and Cynthia get married? Will Dooley become a gentleman? Will Barnabas return?These questions keep me coming back for more and more. Ms.Karon please keep writing and providing me with a great escape.