Hidden Buddhism in Lawrence Durrell’s Alexandria Quartet

Join Fiona Gail Tomkinson, Associate Professor at Nagoya University, Graduate School of the Humanities, as she delves into the captivating world of Lawrence Durrell's masterwork. In this talk, Professor Tomkinson will explore the intricate connections between the Egyptian themes in Durrell's Quartet and elements drawn from Far Eastern religious thought, specifically Buddhism. With a focus on three key aspects, she will unravel the profound ties between the theme of exile in the Quartet and Durrell's personal sense of displacement, the allusions to Buddhist scriptures, and the intriguing presence of a hidden Buddhist sacred site nestled within the heart of Alexandria.