The journeys of life have left Rev Jack McQuarrie with a metaphorical limp.

Now in his autumn days, he tells of his sorrows and joys, his failures and successes, the tenderness and tensions of family life, and a quest to remain true to his calling as he befriends faith and doubt along the way.

Through evocative vignettes that are by turns both light and poignant, and through the voices of family members, this strikingly honest and raw fictional memoir is about being human and finding hope. But most of all, it’s about grace.

As the book unfolds, a powerful story emerges, wrestling with the tensions of life and faith, and whispering, ‘All will be well’ – even when it’s not.

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‘A rich, evocative and ultimately life-affirming book that immediately draws you into the stories of the main family of characters. A poignant exploration of the human experience in all its fragile aching beauty.’
- Josh Jones, Vicar, St Georges, Epsom, Auckland

‘The Priest Who Limped beckons us to follow a spiritual path with all its hopes and uncertainties. Though a work of fiction, this book reflects the author’s own struggles and triumphs, giving us a moving picture of life lived to the full. On reading it, I was moved to reflect on my own life, and it assured me that there’s always more to see and opportunity to change.’
- Rt Rev David Gillett, Former Principal of Trinity College, Bristol, Former Bishop of Bolton

‘This is an imaginative story, in which the interior life of the protagonist is delicately explored in his own voice from old age. With sensitivity and acuity, the hero exposes his inner identity and values. The story hangs with a sense of impending crisis, and I am eager to find where it will take me, and how it will explore the journey…’
- Peter Lineham MNZM, Professor Emeritus of History, Massey University

‘The gift of Grace weaves her presence through this captivating and moving debut novel about family, friendship and faith. Written with honesty and gentleness, Iain Gow tells a touchingly unique and universal story. As we read about Jack and his family living through and overcoming adversity and personal setbacks, navigating the ups and downs of life and pursuing their dreams, we see glimpses of our own lives in theirs. The Priest Who Limped is a powerful testament to love, hopefulness, healing and the restoration of the human spirit.’
- Rev Dr Hilary Oxford Smith, Spiritual Companion, Grief Counsellor & Retreat Facilitator