The Truth

Keith Mabbut is at a crossroads in his life. A professional writer of some repute, he has reached the age of fifty-six with nothing resembling the success of his two great literary heroes, George Orwell and Albert Camus. When he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime--to write the biography of the elusive Hamish Melville, a widely respected and highly influential activist and humanitarian--he seizes the chance to write something meaningful. His search to find out the real story behind the legend takes Mabbut to the lush landscapes and environmental hotspots of India. The more he discovers about Melville, the more he admires him--and the more he connects with an idealist who wanted to make a difference. But is his quarry really who he claims to be? As Keith discovers, the truth can be whatever we make it. In this wonderful, heartwarming novel, Michael Palin turns his considerable skills to fiction in the story of an ordinary man on an extraordinary adventure.

Michael Palin is a comedian, novelist, actor, and playwright best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries. Michael has appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam. He has also made notable appearances in other films, including A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He is the author of Hemingway's Chair, Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years, and Diaries 1980-1988: Halfway to Hollywood. Michael lives in North London.