Karon wrote At Home in Mitford after she had a vision of Father Timothy and began to follow him in her imagination.

The story is told through the mind and heart of Father Tim, whose placid life is suddenly interrupted by a big dog, a tenyear-old boy, a progressive case of diabetes, and a desirable woman. Putting his own problems aside, he counsels the elderly and handicapped, leads two strangers to Christ, and discovers that even though life in Mitford continues as usual, he has changed. He takes a trip to Ireland to make a decision about his relationship with Cynthia and his future as a vicar.

1. Compare and contrast Father Tim's appearance and personality to pastors at your own church. How realistic is Karon's portrayal of the rector of Our Lord's Chapel?

2. Which segments of Mitford's population does Karon not include in her book? Why...