THE INWARD VOYAGE

A novel by the author of last year's White Crocus which, with affecting awareness, traces the intense, inward voyage of Sam Lucas, California veteran, who returns to find his father paralyzed by Parkinson's disease. Here are the many anxious responses Sam feels, from pity to embarrassment, responsibility to resentment, and the effect on his relationship- first extra-marital, then marital, with Carol. And finally, the crisis in his identification with his father, as Sam promotes the kill-or-cure operation his father undergoes, experiencing both guilt and panic... If not for a general audience, this achieves both psychological insight and interest.