
Set against the vivid backdrop of a remote Indian mission station, the story follows a young missionary, Robin Hartley, as he confronts the practical and cultural hurdles of establishing a new home for his work. From the moment he arrives, the unfinished veranda and stubborn bricks become a metaphor for the larger challenges he must navigate—delays caused by local customs, unexpected funerals, and the intricacies of communicating across language barriers. The narrative captures the daily rhythm of building, the clash of expectations, and the earnest determination that drives him forward.
Interwoven with these early struggles are glimpses of the people who surround him: the dutiful yet exasperated overseer Nabi Bakhsh, the bustling village life, and the subtle hints of a deeper personal journey awaiting him. As Robin wrestles with both physical construction and his own resolve, listeners are invited into an intimate portrait of missionary life, where faith, perseverance, and cultural exchange shape every step of the path ahead.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (283K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Richard Hulse, Barry Abrahamsen, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2019-04-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1821–1893
Best known by the pen name A.L.O.E., this prolific Victorian writer filled her stories with adventure, moral courage, and a warm concern for young readers. Later in life, she took her faith into action by serving in India, where her final years unfolded far from England.
View all books