Ross Basset and his wife abandon their life in the suburbs of Perth and head to London.
The seventies are in full swing. 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.
Ascending Sideways is a tale of introspection, exploration, and challenges that arise when society’s norms are questioned. Seen through the eyes of a young man from Perth, the novel evokes an era when the chains of conservatism were loosened – in politics, education, religion and family values. Ross and June represent a surging band of idealists – the baby-boomers who looked at their parents and decided there had to be a better way. Eschewing careers and the quarter-acre block, their choices led them to different countries and cultures. As the 50th anniversary of OZ magazine is being celebrated, the legacy of this alternative crowd is still playing out.
The seventies are in full swing. 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.
Ascending Sideways is a tale of introspection, exploration, and challenges that arise when society’s norms are questioned. Seen through the eyes of a young man from Perth, the novel evokes an era when the chains of conservatism were loosened – in politics, education, religion and family values. Ross and June represent a surging band of idealists – the baby-boomers who looked at their parents and decided there had to be a better way. Eschewing careers and the quarter-acre block, their choices led them to different countries and cultures. As the 50th anniversary of OZ magazine is being celebrated, the legacy of this alternative crowd is still playing out.
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For delivery within Australia (including postage) the price is $A34.95.
For other countries, please contact the author or purchase through Blurb - see link on Home page.
{Alternatively, you can use a credit card with PayPal - click 'Buy Now' below}
