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Robert Beaudine is a new voice in literature. After his formal education ended at Notre Dame - chemical engineering - his real education began, as he devoured the scholars of history, philosophy, and theology, as well as the classics of literature.
He has written a number of short stories and essays. Robert has finally completed his first major work, "Based Upon a Lie," a novel. He currently resides in the upstate of South Carolina.
From the Back Cover...
Hank Edwards, a respected psychiatrist and a popular guest on the morning talk shows, completely revised his world-view, as he finished the research for his third book. He had discovered a conspiracy hidden amongst our nation’s upper classes, a secret fraternal society that has manipulated world events and consolidated power for over two centuries.
Hank wrote his introduction to reflect his new perspective. He condemned modern art in general and accused Hollywood, Broadway, and the music industry, of promoting cultural suicide – with their worship of immorality and the anti-heroic. Hank also renounced his first two books. Naturally, all the respectable publishing houses rejected his manuscript.
Hank’s fall from grace began during the research phase of his third trade book. Hank focused his research on the psychological effects of acting. He also analyzed how the changing of the heroic role over the past two centuries had affected the actor … and in turn, influenced our culture.
As Hank wrapped up his research one night at the Harvard library, he discovered an old thesis written by a Ph.D. candidate over twenty years earlier. It described the conditions of a TV-free community called Rainwater, NH. At first, he was certain the author was writing hypothetically. But even so, he thought it brilliant.
Several weeks later, because of a client’s continual insistence on the validity of conspiracy theory, Hank conducted his own research. Finding little of value at the Harvard library, he turned to the Internet. There he found the home page of another relatively unknown group operating on the fringes of society, the mysterious Pelagian Society, who claimed to be the benefactors of humanity, with their esoteric knowledge of truth and devoted manner of life. Their home page listed several sectarian works.
To Hank’s surprise, there was a short history of Rainwater, which linked the Pelagian Society to this mythical town. Also included in their resources was a revisionist historical manuscript that exposed a two-centuries-old secret plot to enslave the nations of the world. As Hank read, he wondered if this history was another right wing conspiracy theory, possibly fabricated to frighten and confuse the populace. He wasn’t sure.
Eventually, upon self-publishing his heretical book, Hank realizes that he’s not only under surveillance, but also probably in danger for exposing such powerful men. Hank also begins to believe that Rainwater really exists. But is Hank delusional? Is Rainwater a myth? The Pelagians, psychological terrorists?
Hank sets off to find this paradise ... and yet, in a seeming moment of despair, he suddenly ends his life. Or was he murdered? Or ... ? So the story begins.
At its core, “Based Upon a Lie” is a classic Bildungsroman, narrated by Hank’s best friend, Peter Shaughnessy. From the grave, Hank’s influence is felt throughout the story, shaping Peter’s thoughts as he meets a diverse mix of intellectuals, visionaries, and powerbrokers. These people further expand Peter’s awareness of the deeper international and eternal issues, while driving him forward into imminent danger.
But also, the novel is a story of Peter’s change in light of this new knowledge. It is set in contemporary America, portrayed as a negative-utopia, with all aspects of culture controlled by the scheming Insiders. However, unlike the classic negative-utopias, the reader is left with a contrary feeling – there is still hope!
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