At Play in the Fields of the Lord

The novel follows two American missionaries, Martin Quarrier and Leslie Huben, who travel to a remote region of the Amazon to convert the Niaruna people. Quarrier, a devout but introspective man, becomes disillusioned with the mission's methods, while Huben is zealous and uncompromising. The narrative also centers on Lewis Moon, a half-Brazilian, half-American mercenary who, after a plane crash, is mistaken for a god by the Niaruna and adopts their cause against the missionaries. The novel explores themes of cultural relativism, the destructive impact of colonialism, and the search for spiritual meaning. Matthiessen, who was also a naturalist, infuses the novel with detailed descriptions of the jungle, making the environment a central character.

Published during the height of the Vietnam War, the novel resonated with contemporary critiques of American interventionism. Critics praised Matthiessen's prose and his nuanced portrayal of both missionaries and indigenous people, avoiding simple caricatures. The novel was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1966. It is often compared to other works of the period that examined the clash of cultures, such as the writings of Joseph Conrad and Graham Greene. Matthiessen's own experiences traveling in South America informed the novel's authenticity, and he later became a prominent advocate for indigenous rights and environmental conservation.

Matthiessen based parts of the novel on real events, including the deaths of missionaries in Ecuador in 1956, though he shifted the setting to Brazil. The Niaruna are a fictional tribe, but they are modeled on the Wari' people, with whom Matthiessen had contact. The novel's title is taken from a hymn, and its use of religious imagery is deliberately ambiguous. The 1991 film adaptation, starring Tom Berenger and John Lithgow, was shot on location in the Amazon and received mixed reviews, but it is noted for its faithful depiction of the novel's moral complexity. Matthiessen later wrote a nonfiction account of his travels in the region, The Cloud Forest, which complements the novel's themes.

The novel remains a touchstone in postcolonial literature and is frequently taught in courses on world literature and environmental studies. Its portrayal of the Amazon has been cited by anthropologists and historians as a powerful literary representation of the challenges of cross-cultural encounter. Matthiessen's work influenced a generation of writers, including those in the genre of nature writing. The novel's ethical questions about the role of outsiders in indigenous communities continue to be relevant in debates over development and conservation in the Amazon. It stands as a testament to Matthiessen's literary skill and his deep engagement with the natural world.

Niaruna

A fictional indigenous tribe in the Amazon, based on the Wari' people.

Cultural imperialism

The imposition of one culture's values and beliefs on another, often through missionary work or colonial power.

Peter Matthiessen

American novelist, naturalist, and co-founder of The Paris Review.