Childish Things

by Robin Jenkins

It begins with a funeral at which Gregor McLeod, a 72 year old retired schoolmaster, is mourning the death of his wife Kate. It soon becomes evident, however, that McLeod has been something of a womaniser... Jenkins explores his central theme - do we ever outgrow childish things? - with insight and humour.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

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

[irem · Rating 2 out of 5]

had to read this for one of my classes

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing and a bit melancholy, I could really see the characters.

[Annette Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great characters