Arthur Conan Doyle's The Parasite: A Story is a late 19th-century novel that delves into psychic phenomena and the supernatural. The story follows Professor Austin Gilroy, a physiologist, as he becomes entangled in the mysterious world of the occult through his interactions with Helen Penclosa, a woman with clairvoyant and mesmeric abilities.
The narrative begins with Professor Gilroy reflecting on the invigorating energy of spring and his dedication to scientific research. Skeptical of his friend Professor Wilson’s fascination with psychology and mesmerism, Gilroy reluctantly attends a demonstration led by Miss Penclosa. There, he witnesses phenomena that challenge his materialistic beliefs, particularly when his fiancee, Agatha, becomes involved in Miss Penclosa's experiments.
This encounter sets Gilroy on a journey into the unknown, exploring themes of love, obsession, and the dangers of unacknowledged powers. As the story unfolds, the tension escalates, revealing a conflict between Gilroy's rational mind and the inexplicable forces at play, hinting at an intense psychological drama. The novel blurs the line between science and the supernatural, leaving readers with a lasting impression.
