The Persian

Nineteenth century England was a time of empire-building and discovery. Men found fame in naming things never before named, in bringing to light facts previously unknown. It was the aspiration of many a young man, and Robert Manning Grayson is no different. While on Persian soil, he comes upon an obscure movement whose ardent belief is that Christ has returned. With no other motive than to apprise his countrymen of its existence, the Oxford don gains renown as one of England's foremost authorities on the subject . . . but not without detractors. Yet this saga is also about Meredith Emery, an American who has left home to pursue a career in nursing and to escape from a personal family tragedy. When she is confronted with the possibility of having to return home, Fate steps in. Meeting Grayson, she discovers her linguistic ability and becomes attracted to the new religion. This complicates matters when the don's comfortable indifference can no longer remain unchallenged.