AustLit

In this novel of strong passions, a young painter whose innocent love is destroyed by sudden violence, almost loses himself and his extraordinary talent in the cynical world of big business.

At seventeen, Lore Deveraux is a reserved, moody adolescent evading his overwhelming and neurotic mother, avoiding confrontations with a strong-willed father determined his son would carry on the family profession.

Adolescent reaction to parents, even open rebellion, is commonplace, but with Lore Deveraux the reason is different. Unbeknown to his parents and but dimly perceived himself, he has a truly outstanding ability, an extravagant talent, for painting, a gift that would bring him fame and fortune, adulation and personal tragedy.

Before Lore can come to terms with growing up, with love and with the fierce creative urge that burns within him, he is struck down by violence. The girl he loves is lost to him and as well as constant crippling physical pain, he must live with grief. In the long night of the soul that follows both man and artist are almost destroyed.

Outwardly Lore is the epitome of success: he has enormous wealth, powerful friends, towering intellectual and artistic ability and near-magnetic attraction to many women. In the treacherously glamorous world of American high finance Lore finds diversion but no solace for his grief, no comfort for the dread that haunts him.

In a simpler world away from the sophisticated intrigues of the "beautiful people", healing comes, unexpectedly.

This is a many-faceted novel, a bitter-sweet tale of innocence, dignity and integrity set against corruption, violence and power.