In Gilead, Marilynne Robinson explicitly connects healing and forgiveness with physical touch in the life of John Ames. The majority of Ames’ life is very difficult and lonely, but through human closeness, he eventually finds peace and meaning through his relationships. His relationship with Lila, his wife, and their son are what bring “the long, bitter prayer” of his loneliness to an end. Physicality plays an important role in their interactions: holding his son’s hand and baptizing his wife are key moments in his journey towards wholeness. Similarly, he doesn’t fully forgive Jack Boughton until he physically puts his hand on Jack’s head and gives him a blessing towards the end of the novel. By connecting touch and meaning, Robinson masterfully demonstrates that no one can be whole without physical human connection, a message that is more relevant in today’s age of AI than ever before.