[1] Written in the first person, it is a self-examination by an English painter, Samuel Mountjoy, held in a German POW camp during World War II.

Under the pressure of the darkness, isolation and horrified anticipation he gradually breaks down; in a series of long flashbacks, he wonders what brought him to his current state, and in particular, how he lost his freedom.

Whilst a student at art college he managed to become Beatrice's fiancé, and eventually her lover, but when she was unable to return his violent passion he grew bored with her and married another woman.

Then, just as he loses all self-control and cries for help, he is abruptly released by the camp commandant, who apologises, outraged that an officer should have been humiliated like this.

I hung for an instant between two pictures of the universe; then the ripple passed over the burning bush and I ran towards my friend...