Fiction. In many ways a companion to ASHTRAYS, Tomin's previous novel, KYE shifts the setting from Paris, where exuberance was found in excess, to London, where the organism senses it is out of balance and is acutely aware of its decay. The euphoria has long passed as Kye is unable to break the inertia of his drinking, smoking, and unfulfilled sexual fantasies. As such, Tomin explores the trap exile has become for him, making clear his identity as Czech. Gradually overcome by his impotence to act decisively, Kye reflects on all that was left and lost "back there."