Missionaries

By Phil Klay,

Book cover of Missionaries

Book description

'Expansive, explosive and epic' Marlon James
'A courageous book' New York Times Book Review

A BARACK OBAMA BOOK OF THE YEAR

Neither Mason, a US Special Forces medic, nor Lisette, a foreign correspondent, has emerged from America's long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan unscathed. Yet, for them, war still exerts…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Missionaries as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book is an eye-opening look into modern warfare, particularly in the context of Colombia and America’s military involvement there. Klay, a veteran himself, writes with a moral clarity that brings home the idea that war is never just a localized conflict—it’s part of a much bigger web of power, politics, and personal ambition. The novel follows multiple perspectives, from American soldiers to Colombian civilians, each grappling with their role in the chaos.

What I found most compelling is how Klay shows the ripple effects of violence—how decisions made in one corner of the world can devastate communities thousands of…

Want books like Missionaries?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 89 books like Missionaries.

Browse books like Missionaries

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Colombia, Afghanistan, and Iraq?

Colombia 39 books
Afghanistan 91 books
Iraq 95 books