Tony McKay - Author

Consciousness and Perception

I wouldn’t describe Consciousness and Perception as a conventional novel but it’s certainly a book that makes you think. Described as a part-fictionalised look at how human’s struggle to understand “true reality”, it is a book that includes spiritual and religious inspiration to focus on what is “truly real” or what is of true value in your life. This book is split into different parts and follows two brothers, Ninian and Paul from when they were children.  Throughout the brothers’ story there are allegorical messages that challenge the reader to stop and think about what is important in their own lives. I feel this is a novel that offers something more, a level of perspective that encourages you to evaluate whether you’re happy with your life, and if not consider what can be done to change it for the better.  The book starts with an incredibly interesting encounter, with a poverty stricken family doing what they can to survive. I was intrigued by this story instantly and wanted to know how it would develop and what would happen to Ninian and Paul as they grew older.  I would describe Consciousness and Perception as a well considered and researched spiritual and philosophical narrative that makes use of a unique structure, original poetry and a literary style to explore and critique the human condition.