John Yates, accused of insanity and preaching “wild” ideas to young teenagers, awaits trial. Quietly sitting in court waiting for his lawyer to arrive, he radiates serenity and kindness. If the jury finds him mentally ill, he will be committed to a minimum of ninety days at a mental hospital.
The story then moves back to more than a decade earlier to show who Yates was and what circumstances led to his present situation. An ambitious, arrogant, but successful lawyer, he was a man highly respected and admired by his friends and colleagues. Then, one night at a party, a mysterious man approaches and makes him an offer that, though odd, is simply too irresistible to turn down. Thus begins Yates’ journey.
This philosophical novel, written mainly as a dialogue, explores the spiritual transformation of John Yates, a man who suddenly finds himself in a series of strange circumstances which force him to come face to face with his beliefs and concept of reality.
If you expect an orthodox novel with a regular plot, this isn’t the book for you. On the other hand, if you love philosophy, mysticism, and the debate of paradoxical, conflicting ideas, you might find in this book a little gem. War, God, and Good and Evil are explored, while lovers of Plato’s cave will appreciate the allusions. Though the author’s style is simple and straightforward, the message and theme of the book are not and you may find yourself wanting to read the book a second time to grasp its full meaning.