Sara Duncan's personal ideas and experiences surface in this novel which deals with Victorian morals, American imperialism and the Canadian national character. The Imperialist is set in Canada just before World War I. The novel focuses on Canada's economic and political link with England and religious issues. It also features 2 romances. Lorne Murchison tries for office with his vision of a rejuvenated British Empire. His sister Advera wants a young minister but she betrays her attraction to the high-flown ideals in her love for the unworldly, and unavailable, young minister.