Susan Howatch

In 1940, Jon Darrow, a man who has played many parts, returns to the world he once renounced. But faced with many unforeseen temptations, he fails to control his psychic powers....

In 1968, 26-year-old Nick Darrow, younger son of the psychic priest Jon Darrow, begins to realize that his life is a mess. To all appearances he is a sober-living young man....

Charles Ashworth is privileged, pampered, and pleased with himself. But when a catastrophe tears his life apart, his guilt drives him into an immoral and disordered life....

When Paul Van Zale, a handsome patrician and powerful American banker, meets Dinah Slade in London, he commits the imprudence of falling in love with her....

In 1963, when traditional values are under attack, Venetia, a young woman, becomes involved with the Dean of Starbridge Cathedral. But as a married man, he has nothing to offer her....