Down There on a Visit

Down There on a Visit is the 1962 novel from English author Christopher Isherwood.

Through his political advocacy and the literary success of his friends, Auden and Spender, Christopher Isherwood became something of a literary rock star, immersing himself in sexual experimentation, alcohol, and raucous company across Europe and North America.  The title refers to a verbal jibe fired at Isherwood's eponymous protagonist by another character, Paul.  "You know, you really are a tourist, to your bones" laughs Paul. "I bet you're always sending post cards with 'Down here on a visit' on them.  That's the story of your life." (315-316)

Structure
In the novel Isherwood derives meaning and emotion from those around him.  Just as his life is characterized by his friends, the novel's four sections are titled after influential people. Beginning with young adulthood, Mr. Lancaster introduces Christopher to the mystery of Berlin and the danger of asceticism. Ambrose inadvertently warns Christopher of isolationism and Waldemar embodies the surreality of heterosexual marriage. Finally, Isherwood encounters a famous male prostitute named Paul. The two men resolve to explore a regimented spiritual lifestyle centered on self-denial and meditation.

Plot introduction
Throughout the novel Isherwood is a character of extremes. At times he pursues physical pleasure, relentlessly devoting himself to all kinds of debauchery. Yet he also interrupts these binges with discipline, by learning German or regularly meditating. Somehow, his abandon never leads to personal disaster.

The second section of the novel contains a scene that figuratively illustrates Isherwood's life as recounted in "Down..."  Isherwood is visiting an island where a crew of inane Greeks blast rock for the foundations of a mansion. He observes that:
Despite all their experience, they seem to have no idea how much dynamite they should use.  It is always too little or too much.  We become completely indifferent to their yells of warning, followed by an absurd little firecracker pop.  And then, just when you're least expecting it, there will be a stunning explosion which shakes the whole island and sends big rocks spinning through the air... A couple of times things have been smashed, but no one has been hurt, so far.

So it is with Isherwood. Despite his experience, he never seems to know how to live his life.  He often makes mistakes, such as his neglect of Mr. Lancaster, Waldemar, Dee-Ann, and Paul.  But somehow he becomes wealthy, works at his leisure, and even avoids fighting in World War II. The reader is led to believe that no one has been hurt, so far.

Characters
As in Prater Violet the main character, Isherwood himself, is a moderately successful author of fiction.  He is fascinated by people and travel and pleasure.

Other characters include Mr. Lancaster, Waldemar, Ambrose (based on Francis Turville-Petre), Hans, Aleko, Geoffrey, Paul (based on real-life male prostitute Denham Fouts), Augustus, Ronny, and Ruthie.

Major themes
Hedonism
Authority
Sexuality
Friendship
Pacifism
Love

External links 
 Down There on a Visit

Category:1962 British novels
Category:Novels by Christopher Isherwood
Category:Novels about writers
Category:Methuen Publishing books