Susan Howatch

In 1963, Venetia becomes involved with her friend’s father, but as a married clergyman he has nothing to offer but an admiration which spirals out of control into an obsessive love. He begins to take risks to further their friendship and Venetia finds herself trapped in a web of love and lies.

1968, with the swinging sixties sliding into decadence, finds Nicholas Darrow wrestling with overwhelming personal problems: How can he bring himself to marry his fiancee, Rosalind, when he is unable to avoid promiscuity? How can he become a priest when he finds it so difficult to live as one? And how can he break his dangerous dependence on his father whose phychic gifts he shares?

Jon Darrow, a man with psychic powers has played many parts – a shady faith-healer, a naval chaplain, a passionate husband, an awkward father, and an Anglo-Catholic monk. Now corruption lies in wait for him and threatens not only his future as a priest, but his happiness with the woman he loves.