For one weekend only, hundreds of devoted readers gathered in Hudson, North Carolina, to celebrate the enchanting world of Mitford, a fictional town that evokes a profound sense of community. The celebrated author Jan Karon, now 88 years old, has crafted 15 novels centered around this imaginary mountain village, where readers find solace and familiarity in the lives of her characters.
Karon describes Mitford as “a place my readers can go and not be afraid. It’s a place of refuge. It’s where they can go, get a deep breath.” Her characters resonate with a humanity and warmth that have secured her novels’ places on bestseller lists. While Karon might not be as widely recognized as other bestselling authors, she has garnered a loyal following who find comfort in her gentle storytelling style. When asked about the unique quality of her books, she lightheartedly remarked, “I don’t give you much of a ride. I just give you sort of a float! A lot of people tell me that my books put them to sleep, and I consider that a huge compliment!”
The novels offer more than just entertainment. Readers like Nellie McMasters find them a welcome escape amidst today’s turmoil, stating, “We are in such an uncertain period, we’re in such turmoil, that it’s just a nice, pleasant place.” Joellen Maurer added, “And it’s not divisive. This is just love your neighbor, know the people who live around you.”
Phyllis Farringer, another attendee, expressed her belief that communities reflecting Mitford’s spirit can still be found across America. “They do, where there’s a community of faith and people caring about each other, and I see it,” she said.
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Jan Karon’s roots in Hudson run deep. Raised by her grandmother, Fannie, she attended elementary school in the town. Almost eight decades later, Karon transformed the site into the Mitford Museum, honoring her past and the influences that shaped her. She credits her first-grade teacher, Nan Downs, with nurturing her creativity. From a young age, Karon harbored dreams of becoming a writer, declaring at just 10 years old, “I’m going to be an author.”
Her journey to authorship was anything but smooth. At 14, seeking an escape from her difficulties, she married, dropped out of school, and became a young mother. By 18, she was divorced and faced the challenges of single motherhood. Reflecting on those times, Karon remarked, “A lot of it was really hard, because I became a single mom and had to raise her by myself when I myself had hardly been raised.” Karon explored various jobs, including a stint as a TV producer, but it was a turning point in her career—being fired—that led her to introspection and an outpouring of creativity. She embraced her faith and began writing short stories that eventually evolved into her first Mitford novel, “At Home in Mitford,” published in 1994.
While Karon acknowledges her Christian readership, she emphasizes her desire to reach a broader audience. “I write for a secular audience. God poured his love into me, and you can’t say, well, I just can’t talk about that in my books,” she explained. Her latest novel, “My Beloved,” explores themes of presence, aging, and connection—a deeply personal work that emerged from her grieving process following the death of her daughter, Candace, in 2021. The novel is dedicated to Candace, whom Karon described as “the sunshine of my life.”
In poignant moments, Karon shares how she continues to feel connected to her daughter during her writing process. “All the time,” she says when asked if she talks to Candace while working. “And I know this sounds corny, but it’s true for me, right here, she’ll say, ‘I hear you, Mom. It’s okay, Mom. Everything’s gonna be all right.’”
Reflecting on the impact of losing her daughter, Karon reveals a newfound perspective: “I’m less judgmental. I’m a little easier, even on myself.” She encourages others to seek community and love in their lives, echoing a sentiment that resonates through her Mitford stories. “If you will just get in your car and drive out into America, I’m telling you, I can guarantee, I promise you, that it is out there,” Karon said. “You have to look for it. It’s not going to come to you and sit on your doorstep. You’ve got to go out and get it, and it’s there for the taking.”
