The Reincarnation of Peter Proud (novel)

The Reincarnation of Peter Proud is a 1973 psychological thriller novel by American author Max Ehrlich. The story revolves around Peter Proud, a college professor plagued by vivid recurring dreams and fragmented memories of a past life. These visions center on a man named Jeffreys, his wife Marcia, and a brutal murder by a lake.

Driven by the intensity and clarity of his dreams, Peter becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth of his past. He begins researching historical records and eventually locates Marcia, now an older woman, and her daughter Ann, who bears a striking resemblance to the younger Marcia from his dreams.

Peter's investigation leads him to believe he is the reincarnation of Jeffreys, and he becomes increasingly drawn to Ann, believing her to be his wife Marcia reborn. This obsession creates a complex and dangerous situation, blurring the lines between past and present and threatening to repeat the tragic events of his supposed former life.

The novel explores themes of reincarnation, obsession, identity, and the potential dangers of repressed memories and the pursuit of the past. It also examines the psychological impact of believing in reincarnation and the consequences of acting on those beliefs. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Peter's theories are tested, and the truth about Jeffreys' murder is revealed.

The Reincarnation of Peter Proud was adapted into a film of the same name in 1975, starring Michael Sarrazin as Peter Proud and Jennifer O'Neill as Ann Curtis. The film adaptation, while retaining the core premise of the novel, took certain liberties with the plot and character development.