THE NUN AND THE BANDIT
By
The Australian bush is the setting for this strange story by the author of Priest Island. There is a strong interplay of the mystical and the fleshly, good and evil. The ""nun"" is Lucy, back in the world until she can conquer hdr fear of it. The ""bandit"" is Michael, weak, rancorous, turning to evil because of his sordid bringing up, revengeful because his uncle had cheated him of his inheritance. He plans to kidnap his uncle's grandchild, then with Lucy, and falls in love with her. They bargain for the freedom of the child -- Lucy recognizes the sources of his evil, and in the days they spend together before his capture, her hatred changes to compassionate love. Contrast of pagan and spiritual -- rather limited in appeal.