While I prefer "Gilead"---the first novel in this trilogy---"Lila" added to the power of "Gilead": they go together beautifully. I'll be rereading "Gilead" someday, and then I'd be able to better review "Lila". I'm not sure how "Lila" will succeed with those who haven't read "Gilead" though: it's beautifully written, and Lila is a vivid character in some ways, but it's a very, very quiet story.