"Black Narcissus" is a 1939 novel by Rumer Godden that tells the story of a group of British nuns sent to establish a convent in a remote palace in the Himalayas. The narrative explores themes of isolation, desire, and the clash of cultures as the nuns struggle with their mission and the local environment. The novel was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 1947, directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. The film is noted for its stunning cinematography and exploration of psychological tension, highlighting the nuns' internal conflicts and the challenges they face in their spiritual journey.