The Parasite

£9.99

The protagonist of this novel is named Austin Gilroy. He is a young professor of physiology whose friend, Professor Wilson, is specializing in occult practices and mesmerism. In one occasion, Gilroy is introduced to Miss Penclosa, a strange, crippled woman who claims to have psychic powers. To persuade the incredulous young man, she hypnotizes his fiancee in front of him. Being now convinced of her powers, though without having any rational explanations for them, Gilroy decides to attend the occult gatherings organized by Wilson and allows Miss Penclosa to practice her powers on him. Miss Penclosa, who falls in love with Gilroy, manages to push him to break his engagement with his fiancee. Gradually, he becomes totally dependent on her and can no longer free himself from her grip. She plays her tricks to make him praise her and caress her until he becomes like a mere toy in her hands.

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SKU: 9781529985931 Category: Tag: Publisher/imprint : Vintage Classics
Page count : 176
Published on 2nd July, 2026

Description

Arthur Conan Doyle’s tense, unsettlingly supernatural tale of obsession and control

After Austin Gilroy’s fiancée is hypnotised, he finds himself drawn into the orbit of the woman responsible – Miss Penclosa. Soon, disturbances begin to unsettle him: actions he cannot account for, thoughts that seem to come from elsewhere. As Penclosa’s hold over Gilroy tightens, he discovers how little control he has over his own mind. Told through a series of journal entries, The Parasite follows a self-declared rational man drawn into a relationship he cannot escape – or fully understand.

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS: classic novellas and captivating stories, to be read in a single sitting or savoured over days

Additional information

Weight 0.096 kg
Dimensions 19.7 × 12.9 × 0.8 cm
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