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Father Tim and Cynthia arrive in the west of Ireland, intent on researching his Kavanagh ancestry. The charm of their lakeside B&B is broken when Cynthia startles a burglar and sprains her already-injured ankle. Then a cherished and valuable painting is stolen from the lodge owners, and Cynthia's pain pales in comparison to the wound at the center of this bitterly estranged Irish family.
User reviews
LibraryThing member LynndaEll
Jan Karon's warm and gentle voice imbues "In the Company of Others" with the same ambience we've come to expect from the other Father Tim/Mitford novels. Father Tim and his charming wife, Cynthia, finally travel to Ireland. As usual, plans go awry - more than once.
Father Tim's ability to cope with
Jan Keron does have one writing technique that became an irritant in this book. Her penchant for leaving gaps in major scenes only to hear the information later in conversation tripped me up once or twice. The literary device left me scrambling to catch my balance in the story. But for that, I would have rated the book as a five.
Father Tim's ability to cope with
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an endless number of hurting people who seek his help land him and Cynthia in the middle of a very dysfunctional family where secrets pop up like leprechans. Interwoven with Irish poetry and a doctor's journal from the 1800s, the plot never misses a step.Jan Keron does have one writing technique that became an irritant in this book. Her penchant for leaving gaps in major scenes only to hear the information later in conversation tripped me up once or twice. The literary device left me scrambling to catch my balance in the story. But for that, I would have rated the book as a five.
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LibraryThing member jovilla
Like a visit with old friends! Father Tim and his wife Cynthia visit Ireland expecting the usual vacation but instead find themselves involved in family dramas: one taking place in the family owned inn with it's cast of memorable characters and another in an old journal detailing the lives of the
Nd
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family living in that house more than a century before. The author has a way of making her characters come to life becoming almost like much loved family members that the reader is delighted to see again.Nd
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LibraryThing member tututhefirst
I am a fan of Jan Karon's Mitford series, out of which this book and its prequel Home to Holly Hills sprang. The gentle, fun, caring people of the town of Mitford captivated me. And Fr Tim Kavanaugh with his goofy dog, his shy and tentative walk through life were always comfortable, interesting,
Home to Holly Hills, the first in this new "Fr Tim" series was a stretch, taking the main character out of the comfortable setting of Mitford and taking him through a gut-wrenching return to his home town to discover his long-forgotten, or kept secret past. It was barely believable, but all of us who loved Fr. Tim put up with it. Now comes this latest one, and it is enough to make a reader cry. It's a poorly disguised excuse for a religious tract to offer conversion to Jesus as salvation. Those of us who loved the Mitford series knew all about Fr. Tim's religious beliefs and didn't need the proselytizing that really pops up in this one.
It is not as well written as the previous ones, with a story inside a story that spreads confusion about what is going on, and why it's being introduced. In addition, her attempts to make a mystery story out of this family drama are annoying. There are characters that are stereotypical Irish drunks, the obligatory loopy dog, the dying old lady itching to be saved, and people with enough secrets stored up to sink the proverbial ship. I just couldn't warm up to this group, and can't decide whether I want her to continue this series or not. A true disappointment.
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and well-developed stories.Home to Holly Hills, the first in this new "Fr Tim" series was a stretch, taking the main character out of the comfortable setting of Mitford and taking him through a gut-wrenching return to his home town to discover his long-forgotten, or kept secret past. It was barely believable, but all of us who loved Fr. Tim put up with it. Now comes this latest one, and it is enough to make a reader cry. It's a poorly disguised excuse for a religious tract to offer conversion to Jesus as salvation. Those of us who loved the Mitford series knew all about Fr. Tim's religious beliefs and didn't need the proselytizing that really pops up in this one.
It is not as well written as the previous ones, with a story inside a story that spreads confusion about what is going on, and why it's being introduced. In addition, her attempts to make a mystery story out of this family drama are annoying. There are characters that are stereotypical Irish drunks, the obligatory loopy dog, the dying old lady itching to be saved, and people with enough secrets stored up to sink the proverbial ship. I just couldn't warm up to this group, and can't decide whether I want her to continue this series or not. A true disappointment.
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LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
While I was expecting to get another story that delved into Father Tim's history, this was the story of the people Tim & Cynthia stayed with on their trip in Ireland. I enjoyed the flavor of the country that came through in the dialect and descriptions. I also really liked the picture of Tim &
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Cynthia's marriage - the ways they give and take and enjoy each other. One the overarching themes of the book was forgiveness and love - and the need to let God work in our hearts. Lovely story. Show Less
LibraryThing member khiemstra631
In this installment of the Father Tim series, Tim and Cynthia Kavanaugh finally make their long-awaited trip to Ireland. It's the first time they've really gone anywhere just for fun since their honeymoon. Unfortunately, their departure is delayed, and once the do arrive, Cynthia re-injures her
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weak ankle and is basically confined to quarters for the duration of their stay. They stay at a family-run inn located next door to the local manor house, occupied by the estranged, drunken mother of one of the inn's owners. A journal from the 1860's details the construction of the manor and the life of its owner and serves to occupy Cynthia during her convalescence. Lengthy excerpts from the journal bog the book down in places, but it does eventually become an interesting story in its own right. The entire book picks up speed as it goes along when a robbery occurs and other interesting events also add flavor. A worthwhile read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Maydacat
Father Tim and Cynthia are on vacation, but this vacation does not go as planned. But even as problems occur, Father Tim’s wisdom and caring nature are put to good use as he ministers to the people of the village where they are visiting. Jan Karon weaves an interesting tale as she intertwines
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today’s story with that of a long forgotten but recently discovered diary from the 1800s. Always a good storyteller, this one is perhaps one of her best. Show Less
LibraryThing member porch_reader
Jan Karon's books are the ultimate in comfort reads for me. This second book in the Father Tim series (which follows the seven books in the Mitford series) finds Father Tim and his wife Cynthia on a trip to Ireland. During their stay at a country lodge, we meet the extended family who runs the
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lodge and watch as Father Tim helps them sort through problems from the distant past and the present day. Although I missed spending time with the familiar characters from Father Tim's hometown of Mitford, Karon does a nice job introducing us to a new cast of characters. [In the Company of Others] isn't quite as good as the best of the Mitford series, but it was just right for a busy December read. Show Less
LibraryThing member maryloudinon
A Fr. Tim book in which they take a trip to Ireland.
I started reading it but found it difficult reading, maybe the brougue. But once I resumed the tale on CD, I found it more enjoyable.
Cynthia injures her ankle in the early story and is confined more or less to the bread and breakfast while Tim
Not great, but OK. The old characters pop up from time to time, like Dooley and Lace.
I started reading it but found it difficult reading, maybe the brougue. But once I resumed the tale on CD, I found it more enjoyable.
Cynthia injures her ankle in the early story and is confined more or less to the bread and breakfast while Tim
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goes off with the natives and finds interesting places.Not great, but OK. The old characters pop up from time to time, like Dooley and Lace.
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LibraryThing member JaneAustenNut
Jan Karon has done it again, another great Father Tim Novel. This one takes place in Ireland and is a very good novel. I just love everything Jan Karon writes.......she has such a great christian perspective to all her books! Well done Jan!
LibraryThing member MrsLee
Father Tim and Cynthia finally arrive in Ireland. They have a harrowing trip, but arrive safely at a charming fishing lodge full of friendly people. Or so it seems. Before long their plans are turned upside down by injury, theft and heartbreak. Timothy and Cynthia being who they are, they jump
At times, the outcome of these books seems pat to me. Problems of people don't get resolved so well, if ever, in real life. However, having lived through the changes that forgiveness and forgiving bring about in ones life, and having seen the miracles in the lives of others, I can't say it doesn't happen. Perhaps not as neatly and fluently as in fiction, but it does happen. Love changes you. People heal. It's never too late. Miracles do happen. We need to be reminded of these things now and then. That is why I love reading these stories.
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right in and start loving everyone, warts, bumps, frowns and all.At times, the outcome of these books seems pat to me. Problems of people don't get resolved so well, if ever, in real life. However, having lived through the changes that forgiveness and forgiving bring about in ones life, and having seen the miracles in the lives of others, I can't say it doesn't happen. Perhaps not as neatly and fluently as in fiction, but it does happen. Love changes you. People heal. It's never too late. Miracles do happen. We need to be reminded of these things now and then. That is why I love reading these stories.
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LibraryThing member cee2
In the most recent book in the MItford series, Father Timothy and Cynthia Kavanaugh finally take their trip to Ireland. Of course, it's not the vacation they expected, but their faith sees them through many trials, both their own and their new friends. As always, these characters inspire me.
LibraryThing member lhaines56
struggled to get thru this incredibly borrrring book. when the book they are reading is more interesting than the book you are reading, it's not a good book. and considering that they are in Ireland hat is pretty awful. huge disappointment. took all I could do to get thru it.
LibraryThing member olevia
An easy, absorbing,comforting read.
LibraryThing member foggidawn
I loved Jan Karon's Mitford series, particularly the earliest volumes in the series. In the Company of Others is the second volume in a continuation series, the Father Tim novels. I didn't much care for its predecessor, Home to Holly Springs, but put up with it in hopes of the series improving. It
I enjoyed this read, and would recommend it to fans of Karon's earlier work, even those who were disappointed with her previous Father Tim book. If you're not familiar with Karon, start with At Home in Mitford, not one of these more recent novels, as they do not show her at her charming best.
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did, slightly, though not enough to bring this book up to the same level as the best of the Mitford series. I think the issue is that, while I enjoy reading about Father Tim, it is the supporting cast that really makes the series work. While Fr. Tim is at least accompanied by his wife Cynthia in this book, they are uprooted and surrounded by a new cast of characters at an inn in the Irish countryside. While some of the new characters are engaging, there's just not enough substance there to make up for the lack of the Mitford regulars. Moreover, Karon introduced a story within the story in the form of an old diary, a tactic which met with only limited success. I was left wondering, was there not enough plot for a full book without that added device?I enjoyed this read, and would recommend it to fans of Karon's earlier work, even those who were disappointed with her previous Father Tim book. If you're not familiar with Karon, start with At Home in Mitford, not one of these more recent novels, as they do not show her at her charming best.
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LibraryThing member rdgslp
It was somewhat difficult to keep up with all the characters in this book but if you love Ireland and Jan Karon's books then it is definitely worth reading. I got a little bogged down in the middle of the book and when I went back to it, I had to re-familiarize myself with the characters but it
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ended as a great story of redemption and forgiveness. I loved Jan Karon's use of the Irish brogue! Show Less
LibraryThing member pennykaplan
Pleasant books in the Mitford series with strong religious themes. Father Tim and Cynthia, now aged, make a trip back to the ancestral homeland. Lots of family drama in the community and B&B and Father Tim steps in to help all find peace with God. Sweet but the emphasis on God is tiring.
LibraryThing member tkcs
Maybe 3.5, but I really like the Father Tim books. So comfortable and pleasant.
LibraryThing member judyg54
Although I enjoyed my vacation with Tim and Cynthia Kavanagh in Ireland and the interesting people they met, this was not as enjoyable a story as others in this series. Tim has finally taken his wife "across the pond" as he promised her, to show her the land of his Irish ancestors. From the very
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beginning of the trip though, there will be nothing easy about this vacation. Weather, family problems at Broughadoon, where they are staying, and an injury to Cynthia all make for an adventure no one was expecting. Then there is the journal written more than a century ago that Cynthia and Tim discover in the library there and that intrigues them as you will read it along with them. The final discovery though is at the end. It was a nice surprise for Cynthia and for me. Enjoyed the way the author brought this story to its conclusion. Show Less
LibraryThing member nmaners
Father Tim and Cynthia take a much needed vacation to Ireland. They meet many characters both past and present while there. I needed a notebook to keep them all straight. Jan Karon's use of Irish brogue was amazing. The descriptions of the beautiful landscape brought them vividly to life. Father
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Tim was his true character, putting others and their needs before himself. Can't wait for their next adventure. Show Less
LibraryThing member Leann
Not my favorite of the series but certainly still such a lovely story and a great addition to this fabulous series! I loved the trip to Ireland I got through this story.
Awards
Virginia Literary Awards (Winner — 2011)
Language
Original publication date
2010
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DDC/MDS
| F KAR |
Pages
399