A review describes the main character in the 1981 novel
The Knife in My Hands —

"His other peculiar characteristic is a fascination, developed during
his university years, with the Cabala and, like a miniature Lowry,*
he spends much of his time wandering drunkenly through its
labyrinthine mysteries."

AA motto:  "Principles before personalities."

* Related material:  Back to the Real.