Missionaries, The

‘Worthy of the greatest respect throughout the English-language world.’ – Paul Binding, Guardian

‘Let me alert everyone to the best-kept secret in modern British literature ... if you are interested in books that are humane and wise, not slick and cynical; then treat yourself this year to some Robin Jenkins.’ – Andrew Marr

‘Many people can produce a novel, but very few are authentic writers whose sentences and paragraphs give intrinsic pleasure. Jenkins is one of them.’ – J. B. Pick

‘Jenkins [is] a remarkable writer whose gentlest touch induces
the greatest of pleasures.’ The Times

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 remote island off Scotland’s west coast, which has been invaded by a group of Christian sectarians. Andrew's moral action is 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. The novel raises questions about attitudes towards social standing, moral righteousness and the Christian faith that are pertinent to this day.