The Prophet of Berkeley Square

"The Prophet of Berkeley Square" by Robert Hichens is about a young man named Hennessey Vivian, known as the Prophet, who lives with his quirky grandmother, Mrs. Merillia, in late 19th-century London and who discovers he has the ability to predict the future using astrology which leads him to grapple with questions of fate and choice when his visions start to reflect his grandmother's life. We first meet the Prophet as he studies the stars from his home in Berkeley Square, balancing his interest in the mystical with everyday matters like his grandmother’s theater plans and his concerns about a troublesome prophecy he made about her impending accident. Through his interactions with Mrs. Merillia and the household staff, the story creates a lighthearted but thoughtful atmosphere, setting the scene for a broader look at prophecy and the responsibilities that it brings to the world. The novel explores the relationships between destiny, personal choices, and the weight of prophetic insight in a society undergoing rapid change.