Time Must Have a Stop

Set in Italy, the story follows Sebastian Barnack, a young Englishman whose summer becomes a profound journey of self-discovery. He learns from two contrasting figures: the virtuous bookseller Bruno Rontini, who imparts spiritual wisdom, and Uncle Eustace, who exposes him to worldly indulgences. Aldous Huxley weaves a narrative that examines the complexities of modern existence, featuring a comical subplot involving a deceased atheist attempting to communicate posthumously through a less-than-reliable medium, highlighting the struggles of his characters in navigating life's dilemmas.