The Centaur

Set in the Caucasus between the Black and Caspian Seas, The Centaur centres on Terence O'Malley, a journalist of mystical temperament who is studying the peoples of the area. O'Malley, at odds with the pace and materialism of the modern world, rejects this way of life and instead countenances a return to nature which he interprets as a sense of kinship with the universe. This mystical novel weaves a fascinating tale while, at the same time, making a passionate plea for a lifestyle that is closer to nature. "We may be in the Universe as dogs and cats are in our libraries, seeing the books and hearing the conversation, but having no inkling of the meaning of it all." On a cruise through the Greek islands, a man encounters a handsome father and his son. He is strangely drawn to his fellow travelers, and discovers with some elation that they will all share a cabin aboard ship. Tricks of the light seem to join the pair into a single being when they walk ashore, and at times a third, much larger being appears to join them. There are certain persons who, independently of sex or comeliness, arouse an instant curiosity concerning themselves.