Twelve months in Madagascar

A lively account follows two missionaries as they sail from Europe, cross the Suez, and step onto the bustling ports of Madagascar. Their first impressions capture the stark contrast between the coastal bustle and the quiet, lofty capital of Antananarivo, while they note the daily rhythms of markets, churches and the lingering shadows of the old slave system. The narrative is vivid without being sensational, offering clear glimpses of the island’s diverse peoples and the keen curiosity that drives the travelers.

The second half expands into a broad survey of the island’s interior, where volcanic craters, shimmering lakes and dense forests unfold beneath their careful eye. Detailed sketches of the Betsileo and Sihanaka provinces accompany stories of warm receptions by local clergy, the Queen’s formal court, and cooperative meetings with Norwegian and medical missions. Throughout, the author weaves geography and faith, showing how a genuine religious awakening is reshaping communities from the capital’s heart to the farthest coastal villages.