As the armies of the British Empire march across the world in brutal conquest, Lieutenant Griff Whitaker resigns his commission under a burden of shame, intending to disappear - permanently. But the deafening, earth-shaking blast of the volcano Krakatoa in August 1883 changes his course, and sends a massive cloud of dust around the globe with him.

Three thousand miles southwards, Ariadne Archer - a brilliant mind trapped in Sydney's pretentious harbourside society - becomes intrigued by the wildly colourful skies, eerily vivid sunsets and haunting auras around the moon that have occurred since the volcanic eruption.

By uncanny chance, Ariadne and Griff are separately drawn to the secluded valley of the famed Jenolan Caves. Friendship blooms amid this place of peace and natural wonder. As desire ignites, Griff regains his passion for music and his violin, and begins to hope for another way of being in this world - while Ariadne's own talents and heightened perceptions might well defy the laws of science altogether.

But can love survive beyond enchantment?

'an extraordinary and beautiful book' - Karen Brooks, The Good Wife of Bath