Over the years of the Victoria Classics Book Club, our group has grown to encompass thousands of members connected by a love of reading. Below, find discussion questions for past volumes, which can be explored further on our Book Selections page. We also invite you to join the ongoing conversation on our Facebook page, where you will meet a delightful coterie of devoted readers.
Bathed in Prayer by Jan Karon
Bathed in Prayer by Jan Karon incorporates material from each of the fourteen Mitford novels and also includes an essay from the #1 New York Times best-selling author. Reflecting upon Father Tim and Cynthia’s journey to the homeland of his ancestors, at the links below, explore “A Tour of Ireland” and sample a collection of traditional Irish recipes.
Jan Karon writes about her “walk as a new Christian” at the age of 42 and how it was “full of wonder and more than a few miracles.” Struggling with a desire to leave a successful career in advertising for the uncertain world of fiction writing, she turned to prayer and heard a clear message: “Go and don’t look back. I am with you.” Can you think of a time you struggled with an important decision and found clarity through prayer?
Jan Karon recalls a scene involving Father Tim and his new bride, Cynthia, from These High, Green Hills, another volume in the Mitford Series. “They walked together after church, hand in hand, his sermon book under his arm. He felt as free as a schoolboy, as light as air.” Bear in mind, he’s in his sixties! Have you—or someone you know—found love late in life that was reminiscent of the feeling of young love?
In These High, Green Hills, Father Time and Cynthia go camping with a church group and get lost in a cave. They turn to prayer to stay calm. Author Jan Karon shares in her book, Bathed in Prayer, that she actually went into a cave for research purposes when writing the scenes—an experience she vows never to repeat. Have you ever gotten lost? How did you find your way home?
Magical and untouched, Ireland is filled with misty moors and grassy knolls stretching as far as the eye can see. To tour this country of unparalleled beauty is to experience the hospitality and heritage of a people who possess authentically endearing charm. With a passion for centuries of music, literature, and dance, they extend a warm welcome to visitors of this land they love so dearly.
Jan Karon recollects a scene from A New Song, her novel which tells the story of Father Tim and Cynthia heading to Whitecap Island, where he serves as in interim priest of St. John’s in the Grove. Cynthia gifts her husband with a deep-sea fishing trip—something he never has experienced before—and he is so excited he wakes up ten minutes before his 4:00 am alarm. Can you remember an event when you were so excited you couldn’t sleep?
Father Tim contemplates retirement—again—in Jan Karon’s book In This Mountain. He struggles with whether to join a ministry in Tennessee, but before he makes a decision, he is involved in an accident that affects all aspects of his life, from his health to his marriage. In Jan’s book Bathed in Prayer, she reminds readers that, in his darkest hour, Father Tim thought of the Bible verse Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Do you have a favorite verse that brings you strength in troubled times?
In the ninth book of the Mitford series, Light from Heaven, Dooley Barlowe receives some astoundingly good news that truly will change his life—all thanks to a gift from Miss Sadie. As author Jan Karon relates in Bathed in Prayer, Father Tim sheds light on this dear lady’s largesse with this explanation: “I can’t make it any simpler. She believed in you.” Can you recall someone in your life who placed that sort of faith in you? What did it mean to you?
Authentic regional fare highlights our delectable St. Patrick’s Day menu. The holiday originated in the seventeenth century as a religious festival honoring the patron saint of Ireland but has become an international celebration of the country’s rich culture and cuisine.
Jan Karon takes Father Tim and Cynthia to Ireland, the country of his ancestral roots, in her book In the Company of Others. What they hoped would be a relaxing vacation is anything but, as a priceless painting is stolen, and the couple ends up in the middle of the Conor family feud. In Bathed in Prayer, the author looks back on their Irish adventures and the wonderful lesson of this volume: It is never too late. How would you fill in this blank: It is never too late to _____?
Jan Karon alludes to a scene in another of her books, To Be Where You Are, and reminds us that we don’t have to do great things to make a difference. What is a small act of kindness that someone has done for you that really meant a lot?
Jan Karon shares her thoughts on her divine motivation for writing the Mitford Series. “Would you want to write the story of a rather ordinary, sixty-something, overweight, diabetic priest in a small town? I can’t say that I honestly did. But I kept going and didn’t look back.” Her scores of devoted readers are so happy she followed through! Have you ever felt a gentle—or not-so gentle—nudge to undertake a task that seemed divinely inspired?
Find Victoria Classics Book Club resources—including discussion questions, companion materials, and a reader forum—at Victorimag.com!