Ascending Sideways

Ross Bassett and his wife abandon their life in the suburbs of Perth and head to London.

The seventies are in full swing. Marriage is not what it used to be. Ross and June experiment as their Twickenham household plays musical beds.

Out of left field, they are introduced to a new phenomenon: Meditation. In a converted factory, the Cricklewood Centre attracts disaffected youth seeking meaning in their lives. Having abandoned existentialism, Ross is plunged into a spiritual search.

A trip to Paris leads to a surprise epiphany. Upon their return, the couple sign up with Transcendental Tours and take the hippy trail to India.

At an Indian ashram, Ross finds his guru and the fulfilment he has been seeking.

Amid work, dance, and group therapy, a brief period of celibacy gives way to a sexual smorgasbord.

In time, the bliss evaporates. Ross is obliged to confront the reality of the guru experience and issues he can no longer ignore.

author: Bruce Menzies

language: English

notes: This is an autobiographical novel.

see also: Review on Osho News

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