david woodward

The Inner Traveller deals with racism, fear, ignorance and denial when a stranger, Ragmar, happens into town. The townspeople, surrounded by a monumental mountain range, enclosed in their desert valley town, feel there is something not quite right with Ragmar – especially when a young girl, Heather, meets a tragic end shortly after his arrival. The undisputed leader in the town, Father Young, takes an immediate shine to Ragmar and takes him in, protecting him from the townsfolk, who are only too eager to avenge Heather’s death. Ragmar’s existence and the troubles that follow him from town to town are questioned throughout the novel. Effeminate as well as seemingly mute, he instils fear, hatred and desire in those he encounters. Tragic events occur in his presence but no signs of foul play are ever discovered. Are these the results of divine intervention; the actions of a demigod or demon; or the outcome of a powerful imagination?