The two men resolve to explore a regimented spiritual lifestyle centered on self-denial and meditation.

At times he pursues physical pleasure, relentlessly devoting himself to debauchery, but he interrupts these binges with periods of discipline, learning German or regularly meditating.

Isherwood is visiting an island where a crew of inane Greeks blast rock for the foundations of a mansion.

And then, just when you're least expecting it, there will be a stunning explosion which shakes the whole island and sends big rocks spinning through the air... A couple of times things have been smashed, but no one has been hurt, so far.

As in Prater Violet the main character, Isherwood himself, is a moderately successful author of fiction.