"This book is like a cross between 'Crocodile Dundee' and 'The Matrix' " - John Evans, London, UK. * * * Charlie Freeman is an extrovert; an Australian "rough diamond" - an artist and gambler - who, in his 50's, develops his own theories about life and the "illusion" in which he believes we are all living. Frank Johnson is a troubled youth - a heavy drinker and gambler - as a result of two tragic incidents in his life. Charlie and Frank cross paths during a game of poker, when Charlie believes Frank has cheated him out of a large sum of money. They agree for Charlie to settle the debt at a horse-racing event being held in Tarranga, in the Australian Outback. Shortly before leaving, Charlie discovers that his niece and her partner are planning to go there, also. The three join forces and, during the road-trip, they pass the time exchanging their ideas about life. Charlie has a bad accident and is unable to keep his appointment with Frank, whose life, as a result, spins off in a radically different direction. Finally, although on one level Charlie's life is totally shattered, it becomes apparent that his greatest wish has come true.