Confessing a Murder

Set on a volcanic island, the story unfolds through the eyes of a nameless narrator reflecting on his life and exile from England. His obsession with beetles, particularly the golden scarab, connects him to his school friend, Charles Darwin. The island’s unique fauna and flora, including bizarre species like blood-sucking mistletoe, serve as a backdrop for exploring themes of madness and the challenges to faith. This narrative blends surreal natural history with profound insights into human nature, questioning the impact of Darwin's work on belief in God.