Jan Karon Reflects on Mitford and the Power of Community
Jan Karon, the beloved author behind the Mitford series, recently shared her reflections on returning to the fictional mountain village that has captivated readers for over two decades. In a heartwarming conversation, Karon revealed how the stories of Mitford offer a peaceful escape for many, a refuge from the chaotic and uncertain world we live in today.
For one special weekend, hundreds of dedicated fans gathered in Hudson, North Carolina, to celebrate the world of Mitford. Karon, now 88 years old, has written 15 books about the fictional town that embodies the warmth and care of a close-knit community. Asked to describe Mitford, Karon shared, “It’s 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 portrayal of the humanity and kindness found in small towns has resonated deeply with readers, placing her books consistently on bestseller lists.
Despite her wide popularity, Karon remains somewhat of a hidden gem in the literary world. When asked why her books may not have the mainstream recognition of other bestsellers, Karon humbly responded, “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!” For Karon, the goal has never been to thrill readers with action-packed plots but to offer them comfort and peace.
This sense of solace is echoed by Karon’s fans, such as Nellie McMasters, who explains, "We are in such an uncertain period, we're in such turmoil, that it's just a nice, pleasant place." Her books have become a sanctuary for those looking for a reprieve from the divisiveness of modern life, as Joellen Maurer notes, “This is just love your neighbor, know the people who live around you.”
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Karon’s own journey has been marked by both hardship and triumph. Raised by her grandmother in Hudson, she often credits her first-grade teacher with encouraging her creative spark. By age 10, Karon knew she wanted to write, but life threw many challenges her way. She married young, became a single mother at 18, and struggled to make ends meet. Yet, it was the difficult moments, like losing a job as a TV producer at 42, that eventually led her to a turning point. “It brought me to my knees,” Karon confessed. “I was 42. I just went down: I don’t know what to pray for. I’m just here, and I need help and just change me.”
After that moment of surrender, Karon went on to become a successful advertising executive, but her true calling was always writing. She began weaving her faith into short stories, eventually turning those tales into her first Mitford novel, At Home in Mitford , published in 1994.
Her most recent Mitford novel, My Beloved , was inspired by personal loss. After the death of her daughter, Candace, in 2021, Karon found herself grappling with grief. “She was the sunshine of my life,” Karon said of her daughter, whose passing deeply affected her writing. The novel, which explores aging, presence, and connection, was one of the hardest works Karon has ever written. But it also serves as a testament to her resilience and ability to find comfort even in the most difficult of times.
Through her writing, Karon encourages readers to embrace their own communities and love their neighbors. She believes that pockets of kindness and connection still exist in America today, even if we have to seek them out. "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," she said, urging people to actively look for the goodness that surrounds us.
Karon’s message is clear: in a world that often feels overwhelming, the sense of community and love we find in Mitford can still be a guiding light.
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