The Missionaries

by Robin Jenkins

The island's owner, Mr Vontin, and his forthright daughter Madeleine disagree, suspecting the invaders to be frauds, and take measures to have them removed. Andrew Doig, a well-bred and confident university student proud of his moral integrity and intent on pursuing truth at all costs, finds himself embroiled in a passionate debate over his defence of the inhabitants of St Sollas, a debate that is further complicated by the allegiance expected by his Uncle, who happens to be the Sheriff in charge of the eviction, and by his uncomfortable attraction to the cold-hearted but bewitching Madeleine. The Missionaries follows Andrew, The Sheriff and the accompanying police officers to St Sollas as the situation comes to a climax. An inspired study of human nature, the novel charts a voyage of self-discovery for Andrew as he is offered an easy route into aristocracy and wealth but is reluctant to relinquish his higher moral ground and it raises questions about attitudes towards social standing, moral righteousness and the Christian faith that are pertinent to this day.

Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

About the author

Author of a number of landmark novels including The Cone Gatherers, The Changeling, Happy for the Child, The Thistle and the Grail and Guests of War, Jenkins is recognised as one of Scotland's greatest writers. The themes of good and evil, of innocence lost, of fraudulence, cruelty and redemption shine through his work. His novels, shot through with ambiguity, are rarely about what they seem. He published his first book, So Gaily Sings the Lark, at the age of thirty-eight, and by the time of his death in 2005, over thirty of his novels were in print.

Reviews

[Henry Jefferies · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strange first chapter: it was like an old stage play. However, the story developed and became engaging. It is very much of its time, that transitional time of Christianity in 1950s Britain.