Mark Lucas

Corinthian Spirit Mark Lucas

A novel following the thoughts and feelings of Andy, a single man in his early thirties, as he starts a new life in Chichester, on the West Sussex coast. The style is that of a narrative in the first person and incorporates humour to tell the story of a 21st century romance. The novel begins with Liz phoning Andy in the early hours of the morning, having been arrested for possession of cocaine and Andy's subsequent visit to the police station. In contrast, Abi, one of Andy's work colleagues, also takes him under her wing and with her boyfriend Tom, introduces him to their friend Mel. These three are all voluntary youth workers in a local church. As his friendship with Mel deepens he starts to view his lifestyle and relationship with Liz and Matt in a different light. Eventually, Liz's troubles come to a head and Andy receives another phone call - this time from the hospital where she has been taken after an overdose. Andy is left with a dilemma of choosing between the two women and, through that choice his future, between the old and familiar path and a new and difficult one.