An unusual YA novel set in a city where a rather meaningless religion staggers on with a dwindling congregation. Hanno is a young man of 18 who is likeable and happy go lucky though a disappointment to his father and older brother. Hanno prefers to run a hand to mouth business using his river boat rather than join the family pottery. He is also concealing his worsening eyesight. The temple chooses a ritual shepherd every year and Hanno is horrified to be chosen especially as it becomes clear that he will be a virtual prisoner in the temple in what eventually proves to be a climate of physical and psychological bullying. As well as the dysfunctional guardians, handmaidens and priest, the temple houses a harmless madman who makes pronouncements about his own death.

As the year progresses, Hanno becomes increasingly alienated and disoriented especially when a disastrous visit to his father seems to show that his father can't wait to get rid of him again. His brother never visits. Hanno's loss of identity, the abusive treatment he receives, and deterioration of his health takes a worse turn when the lunatic dies and is abruptly cast as a infallible prophet, with Hanno allocated a key role in his burgeoning cult, a cult which brings large new congregations and prosperity to the temple. Ultimately the story deals with the sinister side of organised religion and has a rather sad ending. ( )