Childish Things

Satirical and yet compassionate, this novel begins with a funeral at which Gregor McLeod, a retired schoolmaster of 72, is mourning the death of his wife Kate. It soon becomes evident, however, that McLeod has been something of a womanizer and, despite his very recent (and heartfelt) bereavement, is being pursued by an assortment of attractive women. Jenkins proceeds to explore McLeod's adventurous escapades with these ladies both at home and abroad. The result is a tremendously compelling comic novel which retains all the sharpness, wit, and pace that is customary from Jenkins, combined with a mellow, wry wisdom that never fails to entertain. His central theme, whether we ever outgrow "childish things," is explored with captivating insight and delicious humor. This is a gloriously readable novel from a consummate storyteller

Robin Jenkins, the author of a number of novels including The Changeling and Just Duffy, is recognized 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 30, and by the time of his death in 2005, more than 30 of his novels were in print.