Ardath: The Story of a Dead Self

"Ardath: The Story of a Dead Self" by Marie Corelli is a late 1800s novel that follows Theos Alwyn, a troubled English author, on his quest for truth and spiritual peace. Seeking refuge from the world's negativity and his own inner turmoil, Alwyn encounters Heliobas, a monk with extraordinary abilities that challenge his understanding of reality. Set against a backdrop of a fierce storm in the Caucasus mountains and a serene, worshiping monastery, Alwyn questions his faith and reflects on the nature of life, truth, and the existence of the soul. Driven by a desire to escape his suffering, Alwyn seeks a transformation, blurring the lines between the physical and spiritual worlds in a thought-provoking exploration of philosophical and metaphysical themes.