Darkness Visible

The destinies of three mysterious lost children entwine in this James Tait Black Memorial Prize-winning fable by the radical Nobel Laureate and author of Lord of the Flies, introduced by Nicola Barker.

A figure had condensed out of the shuddering backdrop of the glare.

He is born in fire: a naked child in the blood-red flames of London''s Blitz. Miraculously saved but grotesquely burned, this mysterious orphan is named Matty. Doomed to a life of torment, he becomes a wanderer, a spiritual seeker after unknown redemption.

They are also lost children: neglected twins, as exquisitely beautiful as they are loveless and sinful. Toni explores political terrorism; Sophy, sexual dominance and violent criminality.

But their destinies will soon collide in an apocalyptic climax - one that illuminates the inner and outer darkness of modern humanity.

''Exceptional ... Irresistibly transcendent ... Golding seduces