This first novel by the duo Frank and Gillian, who have previously collaborated on a number of books and plays for young people, has a promising, ingenious plot. Richard and Breetz have been best friends since infancy. Both become fascinated with photography – an interest which leads the ambitious and charismatic Breetz to become one of the fashion world’s top photographers, while the more introverted Richard immerses himself in the study of paranormal picture-making – “thoughtography.” As the two men grow apart, both are drawn to Kate, a model and actress who possesses mysterious psychic properties. Breetz’s monomania about creating the perfect picture eventually begins to destroy him, while Richard’s interests lead him to embrace Eastern religious philosophy.

Unfortunately, the novel suffers badly from all the weaknesses that can undermine the work of beginning authors. The authors seem to have completely forgotten the creative writing class dictum, “Show, don’t tell.” Instead of suggestive, revealing dialogue and interaction, we get, “Beneath the pleasant chit-chat I sensed a certain strain” or “Things were going quite smoothly and amiably.” We’re constantly told that Breetz is “charming,” that he has a knack for “making women feel special,” but how he manages this remains a mystery, as he gets barely any lines. And the language in which we’re told things is relentlessly flat. The authors overuse empty words like “handsome,” “charming,” and especially “beautiful.” Journeying through the East, Richard observes, “I had been struck by the beauty of Nepalese women.The word ‘lovely’ best describes them.” Without evocative language, it’s hard to become engrossed in the novel’s world, and without compelling, engaging characters, it’s hard to care about the plot.

As Richard treks around Tibet seeking lost cities and ancient wisdom while the worldly Breetz plunges into decline, there are faint echoes of The Razor’s Edge, but this isn’t W.S. Maugham’s East so much as it is Richard Gere’s and Brad Pitt’s. Readers hungry for Hollywood-style pop mysticism, and easy answers to enduring questions, are the only ones likely to find Luminosity enlightening.