Lead Us Not By Duncan Heenan Explores The Human Cost Of Extraordinary Circumstances

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, set in 1980s England, Lead Us Not by Duncan Heenan sees an Anglican priest’s life unravels when a church gift puts him in charge of a troubled town business, leading him to confront corruption, family pressures, and ethical dilemmas on a journey to war-torn Africa.

Lead Us Not

In Duncan Heenan’s immersive novel Lead Us Not, set in the seemingly tranquil landscape of 1980s England, an ordinary Anglican priest finds his comfortable life turned upside down by an unexpected gift that thrusts him into a world of corruption, betrayal, and life-altering ethical dilemmas. Spanning over 600 pages, this thought-provoking story intricately weaves together the ripple effects of the ordinary colliding with the extraordinary, resonating with readers for its relatable characters and nuanced exploration of human nature.

The novel begins in a bucolic English market town, where the priest’s unremarkable existence is disrupted when the owner of the town’s largest business bequeaths the company to him—and then promptly dies. What seems like a blessing quickly reveals hidden problems: corruption festers within the company, and treachery lurks among those closest to the business. As the priest grapples with these challenges, he faces mounting family pressures and an unexpected journey to a war-torn African nation to salvage a crucial deal. This shift from the familiar English countryside to an unfamiliar, volatile setting underscores the novel’s central theme: how ordinary people navigate complex moral and ethical dilemmas when their world is upended.

Heenan’s storytelling shines through his ability to craft believable characters with everyday concerns—people readers can see themselves in. The priest, far from a larger-than-life hero, is an everyman forced to confront high-stakes decisions that test his principles and values. The novel’s richly developed plot and beautifully crafted prose delve deep into the complexities of human relationships, love, loss, and the pursuit of personal growth. As the action moves from the quiet comforts of a small town to the harsh realities of a conflict-ridden state, Lead Us Not keeps readers on edge, wondering how far the consequences of one choice can reach.

Critics and readers alike praise the novel for its unique and intriguing plot, but its true strength lies in its quiet observations of everyday life and its encouragement of thoughtful reflection. While the story appeals broadly, it resonates most with mature readers who appreciate a journey over a rushed destination. Heenan masterfully portrays the power of choices, showing how a single decision can ripple outward, reshaping lives in ways both profound and unpredictable.

Lead Us Not is more than a gripping tale—it’s a rollercoaster ride through the intricacies of human nature, where ordinary individuals are caught in extraordinary events. From the first page to the last, Duncan Heenan’s captivating narrative holds readers spellbound, inviting them to question what they might do when faced with challenges that demand courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve. For those seeking a story that entertains while probing the depths of ethical dilemmas, Lead Us Not is an unforgettable read.

Lead Us Not is available now, inviting readers to embark on a journey that will linger long after the final page.

Duncan Heenan

Chartered Accountant Duncan Heenan transitioned from merchant banking to a long career in general management within the manufacturing industry, including co-leading a management buyout and its subsequent sale. His experiences, both professional and personal – being married to an Anglican priest and raising a family – deeply inform his novel.

Following early retirement, Heenan embraced a vibrant life beyond work, marked by remarkable achievements such as swimming the English Channel, sailing around Britain and the Mediterranean, extensive world travel, and active campaigning on various social issues. He currently resides in Worcestershire.

Find more from Duncan Heenan now:

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