Robert Hichens
The Mission Of Mr. Eustace Greyne
1905
"The Mission Of Mr. Eustace Greyne" by Robert Hichens is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the celebrated novelist Mrs. Eustace Greyne and her husband, Mr. Eustace Greyne, who is sent on a peculiar mission to Algeria by his wife. Tasked with gathering material for her new book that explores human frailty, Mr. Greyne embarks on a journey that promises to delve into the depths of depravity, thus exploring themes of innocence versus experience. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to the illustrious Mrs. Eustace Greyne, a renowned writer whose success contrasts sharply with her husband’s sheltered upbringing. After receiving troubling news about her husband’s mission, Mrs. Greyne decides to send him to Algeria to collect material for her novel, which is described as requiring a deep exploration of sin and tumult. Meanwhile, Mr. Greyne grapples with anxiety and unfamiliarity as he prepares for this adventure, marked by humorous misunderstandings and a peculiar blend of domesticity and the exotic. The opening sets the stage for a comedic examination of the clash between societal expectations and the quest for artistic authenticity, culminating in Mr. Greyne’s turbulent journey as he navigates the moral complexities of his mission.