SOME THINGS AREN'T MEANT TO BE

Cobb’s novel follows a young man as he works as a farmhand, through his life in the priesthood, and into the final days of his loved ones’ lives.

In 1928, John Gauthier seeks out a job at Charles and Audrey Doty’s farm in rural Vermont. He’s an erudite, college-educated young man from a wealthy background who has no experience as a farmer or working with wood, tools, and guns. However, he’s eager to learn, and he and Charles eventually develop a close friendship; along the way, the Dotys welcome their first son, and Audrey’s 20-something sister Charlotte comes to live with them. Audrey hopes that John and Charlotte will make a match; a story of love unfolds in expected and unexpected ways, with a strong Christian theme. Cobb’s novel effectively braids John’s perspective in the early 1960s as an elderly priest and as a younger man in the late ’20s, when he began his life’s journey at the farm. Its offbeat opening shows an older John, now a monsignor, mentoring and encouraging a young man Patrick Colman, who is also rebellious and creative: “I’ve seen your essays, you’re the best writer in this school, the best since I’ve been here,” John says. “No one else is even a close second.” Cobb ably integrate themes of growth, individuation, and faith, and raises questions about what it truly means to love oneself, to love others, and to love God. Along the way, it engagingly asks readers to explore ideas of commitment, devotion, and family. The braided structure isn’t entirely successful, as there’s really only one full story, and some of the character relationships feel underdeveloped. However, it’s a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that may resonate with anyone who aspires, like John, to look for answers to life’s big questions.

A touching work that follows one man’s lifelong pilgrimage towards love and selfhood.