In this sly novel, the prolific Theroux sends his protagonist Slade Steadman, a travel writer, off to the Ecuadorian Amazon with his ex-girlfriend in search of inspiration and the wonders of Datura, a hallucinogen. Steadman puts up with temporary blindness (hence the title) in addition to other indignities (and pleasures, like enhanced memory and libido)  (EDR21, $14.95)