Just Duffy (Canongate Classic) [Paperback]

Robin Jenkins (Author)

Book Description

Series: Canongate Classic | Publication Date: January 1, 1997

In writing Just Duffy, a novel set amidst the urban decay of Lanarkshire, Robin Jenkins has created a modern-day Confession of a Justified Sinner. Convinced of his own rectitude and appalled at the moral squalor around him, Duffy declares war on society. Ridiculous, yet horrifying at the same time, his campaign builds to a terrifying conclusion. Beset with ambiguity, Duffy is a ferocious indictment of Calvinistic moral certainty, of a struggle for good which results in only evil and destruction. The deeply ironic title bears witness to the mismatch of Duffy's aspiration against his own insignificance. The themes of this novel are central to all Jenkins' work. In its stark simplicity Just Duffy lays claim to being one of his most significant and powerful novels. Its inexorable drive and power bear witness to a modern Greek tragedy played out on a Scottish stage. Introduced by Margery Palmer McCulloch.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Challenging and absorbing . . . a powerful and mordant irony."  —Scotsman

"Stark and hypnotically well written."  —Irish Independent

About the Author

Robin Jenkins's first novel, So Gaily Sang the Lark, was published in 1950 and 23 other books of fiction have followed, including a collection of short stories, A Far Cry from Bowmore (1973). The Cone-Gatherers (1955) received the Frederick Niven Award in 1956, and Gusts of War (1956) and The Changeling (1958) were highly praise by many critics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Canongate UK (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0862415519
• ISBN-13: 978-0862415518
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,017,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)